Act 1, Scene 2 – Macbeth is a Hero
The Thanes tell King Duncan about Macbeth’s bravery on the battlefield.
The Scottish Army, led by Macbeth and Banquo, are fighting rebel armies from Norway
and Ireland.
“As two spent swimmers that do ding together”
It shows that the both sides were brave as they couldn’t tell which side where winning.
“Merciless Macdonald”
Macdonald is a traitor, who went to the Norwegian side for money.
“Brave Macbeth” – Theme: Reality and Appearances
First description of Macbeth. At this point, he’s a hero who’s loyal to his king and
country. However, the Witches have told the audience that ‘fair is foul’ which suggests
that Macbeth is not good.
“Fixed his head upon our battlements” – Shakespeare’s Techniques
Macbeth beheads the traitor, Macdonald, on the battlefield, which shows that he is
ruthless as he shows no mercy. This foreshadows his own death at the end.
“Doubly redoubled strokes upon the foe” – Character: Macbeth
Macbeth fought twice as hard on the battlefield. At the beginning, Macbeth is praised
for his bloodthirsty behaviour. It is ironic that his violence will eventually be his downfall.
“What he hath lost, noble Macbeth hath won” – Theme: Supernatural
Duncan chose Macbeth as the next Thane of Cawdor. ‘Lost’ and ‘won’ mirrors the
Witches’ language which suggests that the Witches can predict the future and it hints at
their power.
The Thanes tell King Duncan about Macbeth’s bravery on the battlefield.
The Scottish Army, led by Macbeth and Banquo, are fighting rebel armies from Norway
and Ireland.
“As two spent swimmers that do ding together”
It shows that the both sides were brave as they couldn’t tell which side where winning.
“Merciless Macdonald”
Macdonald is a traitor, who went to the Norwegian side for money.
“Brave Macbeth” – Theme: Reality and Appearances
First description of Macbeth. At this point, he’s a hero who’s loyal to his king and
country. However, the Witches have told the audience that ‘fair is foul’ which suggests
that Macbeth is not good.
“Fixed his head upon our battlements” – Shakespeare’s Techniques
Macbeth beheads the traitor, Macdonald, on the battlefield, which shows that he is
ruthless as he shows no mercy. This foreshadows his own death at the end.
“Doubly redoubled strokes upon the foe” – Character: Macbeth
Macbeth fought twice as hard on the battlefield. At the beginning, Macbeth is praised
for his bloodthirsty behaviour. It is ironic that his violence will eventually be his downfall.
“What he hath lost, noble Macbeth hath won” – Theme: Supernatural
Duncan chose Macbeth as the next Thane of Cawdor. ‘Lost’ and ‘won’ mirrors the
Witches’ language which suggests that the Witches can predict the future and it hints at
their power.
