ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -Duncan’s eldest son, Malcolm, is named the Prince of Cumberland, a position which Macbeth notes he must ‘o’erleap’ to become King. Lady Macbeth reads a letter from her husband that describes his encounter with the witches and his new title.

Detailed explanation-2: -The title of Prince of Cumberland is the title given to the heir apparent of the throne of Scotland. It is the Scottish equivalent of the title of Prince of Wales.

Detailed explanation-3: -Here Duncan announces that his son, Malcolm, will become the Prince of Cumberland. The Prince of Cumberland in Scotland was the same rank as the Prince of Wales in England, and thus Malcolm is now next in line to the throne.

Detailed explanation-4: -The honour bestowed upon Mallcolm is that Duncan says that he will “establish our estate upon” him by giving him the title, “Prince of Cumberland” (45). This means that if Duncan passes away, then Malcolm is the next in line for the throne.

Detailed explanation-5: -And then he gives his son the title “prince of Cumberland.” What does that mean? MACBETH: It means that he’s announcing his son is officially heir to the throne, that his son will be king when Duncan dies.