Macbeth Act 1 Scene 2

Scene 2

2.          Explain the details of the conflict we are greeted with in this scene. Why does Shakespeare choose this setting to introduce the characters of Macbeth and Banquo?

The captain returns from the battle and tells King Duncan that Scotland has won its battle against Norway. He recognizes the effort that Macbeth has made and praises Macbeth’s bravery and leadership throughout the battle. Macbeth has killed one of the betrayers of Scotland, Macdonwald. However he also mentions how Banquo was a great leader as well. After Ross comes into tell Duncan how Macbeth has won every fight with Norway in the battle and the Norwegian King has defeated. Ross recommends Macbeth to win the title of Thane of Cawdor, who was leader of the traitors. Duncan agrees that Macbeth is worthy of having the title. The setting is a glorious battle moment being summarized to the king. Shakespeare chooses this setting to emphasize the loyalty and braveness of Macbeth and Banquo. It is to show their good-nature which foreshadows the irony made by the change of Macbeth’s personality by the witches, but further emphasizes on the good parts of Banquo.

3.          Who are Macbeth and Banquo? What impression does the audience have of them? How is this created?

             Macbeth and Banquo are two captains in the battle against Norway, so they must be soldiers of high rank. The impression that the audience can gain is emphasized through the summaries of another captain and Ross. Sentences such as “For brave Macbeth—well he deserves that name—Disdaining fortune, with his brandished steel, Which smoked with bloody execution, Like valor’s minion carved out his passage Till he faced the slave;” and “ I must report they were As cannons overcharged with double cracks,” indicates Macbeth and Banquo’s braveness throughout the fight. They are loyal to the nation and the kind and remain courageous and confident.

4.          What is to happen to the Thane of Cawdor and why (Lines 72 – 74)? What significance does this have for the rest of the play?

             The Thane of Cawdor gets executed by Duncan because he had betrayed Cumberland. Then the title is given to Macbeth. This is significant because this is the first authority that Macbeth gains and it leads to him wanting more and more. Also this is one of the prophecy made by the three witches which leads Macbeth to believe in the other prophecy to come true. Thus what happens to the Thane of Cawdor effects Macbeth in how his personality and fate changes.