Act 1 Scene 2

Question 1

Why does Shakespeare use other characters to present Macbeth through opinions?

Answer 1

1. Builds anticipation in the audience for when Macbeth himself is introduced.
2. Shows the audience how well-respected Macbeth is by the other noblemen of Scotland; this makes his downfall even more dramatic and emotionally impactful.

Question 2

“brave Macbeth”

Answer 2

The Captain refers to Macbeth as “brave”, implying he is truly courageous in war.

Question 3

“smok’d with bloody execution”

Answer 3

Refers to how skilled Macbeth was in battle, that his sword never ‘cooled down’ from killing enemies; the gory visual imagery exemplifies Macbeth’s bravery and courage in battle.

Question 4

“unseam’d him from the name to th’chaps
And fix’d his head upon our battlements.”

Answer 4

This is a vividly gory description of how Macbeth brutally killed the traitor, earning the respect of the King and his noblemen, for being a valiant warrior in the battle; suggests the world the play is set in is very masculine, violent, and honourbound.

Question 5

“What he hath lost, noble Macbeth hath won.”

Answer 5

Duncan refers to Macbeth gaining the title of Thane of Cawdor, having replaced the previous traitor; this also foreshadows Macbeth’s future, in which he becomes very similar to Macdonald, betraying his king and his country, at the end of the play.

Question 6

Which element in this scene adds to the tension in the play?

Answer 6

There is a clear element of fierce battle and masculine violence and aggression through the praise of Macbeth’s bravery on the battlefield.