There is ambiguity in the prophecy of the witches. Macbeth's first words ("So foul and fair a day I have not seen") ironically recall the Witches' "foul is fair" in the first scene. The metaphor of the storm at sea can be used to describe the confusion of Macbeth later in the play. When he murders Duncan, he announces that he has "murder'd sleep". The story given by one of the witches about a sailor loosing sleep and becoming weak can be compared to Macbeth in later scenes. Macbeth doesn't listen to his words, wondering how he will get the crown instead. Macbeth is excited at this news but Banquo soon warns that sometimes one truth is told in prophecies to tempt people into danger. Ross and Angus enter to bring news from the king. Ross tells Macbeth that the king has made him thane of Cawdor, as the former Thane is to be executed for treason, this confirms one of the prophecies of the witches. They then turn to Banquo, saying that he will be happier than Macbeth and while he will not be king himself, his descendants will.īefore questions can be asked, the witches vanish. They predict that Macbeth will be named Thane of Cawdor and will later be King of Scotland. The witches make three prophecies to Macbeth and Banquo. Macbeth and Banquo enter on their way to see the king, shocked to see the witches. The Three Witches appear after a clap of thunder. Our bosom interest: go pronounce his present death,Īnd with his former title greet Macbeth." - King Duncan "No more that thane of Cawdor shall deceive "Till he unseam'd him from the nave to the chops,Īnd fix'd his head upon our battlements." - Captain Which smoked with bloody execution" - Captain "For brave Macbeth-well he deserves that name-ĭisdaining fortune, with his brandished steel, This can be seen as a symbol of Macbeth's loyalty and foreshadowing for his rise to being king. The crest of Scotland is marked with a lion. ![]() The captain compares Macbeth and Banquo to eagles and lions in battle. This line also foreshadows Macbeth's death at the end of the play. ![]() Macbeth doesn't just kill Macdonwald, he "unseam'd him from the nave to the chops, / And fix'd his head upon our battlements". Macbeth's actions are exaggerated in this scene, this allows the audience to see his violent nature from the beginning of the story. Lines such as "Valour's minion" and "Bellona's bridegroom" emphasise Macbeth's heroism. This becomes important when we start to see his downfall later in the play. Macbeth is introduced as a brave warrior in this scene. The Thane of Ross leaves to deliver this news. King Duncan declares that the title of Thane of Cawdor will be passed on to Macbeth for his bravery and accomplishments. Scotland is currently facing Ireland and Norway in battles.Ī wounded captain gives King Duncan news that the leader of the Irish rebels, Macdonwald, has been killed by Macbeth and Banquo.Īs the captain leaves, the Thane of Ross enters, telling the king that the Thane of Cawdor, who had betrayed them, has been captured and the Norwegian army held back.
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