Quotes: Act 1 Scene 2

Question 1

What is the function of this scene?

Answer 1

Highlights Macbeth’s skill as a soldier.

Question 2

Macbeth’s role as a soldier and warrior.

First description of Macbeth

Answer 2

“But all’s to weak for brave Macbeth - Well he deserves that name”

Captain.

Question 3

Foregrounds savage behaviour.

Merciless savage.

Answer 3

“Which smoked with bloody execution…
Till he unseam’d him from the nave to th’chaps
and fixed his head upon our battlements”
Captain.

Question 4

Animal imagery.

Answer 4

“As sparrows, eagles, or the hare, the lion”

Captain.

Question 5

Foregrounds the idea of being a traitor.

Answer 5

“Assisted by that most disloyal traitor The Thane of Cawdor”

Ross.

Question 6

Vicious and brave on the battlefield fit for a God

Answer 6

“Till that Bellona’s bridesgroom”

Ross

Question 7

Similar sounding phrase contrasting the witches.

Answer 7

“What he hath lost, noble Macbeth hath won”
Duncan
This is rich in irony and anticipates the other misguided tributes to Macbeth that will follow.

Question 8

What is the emphasis of this scene?

Answer 8

The verbal images of battle is on blood and slaughter.

Question 9

What strong impression are we given from Macbeth?

Answer 9

Macbeth’s heroic performance in battle. Macbeth’s bravery.

Question 10

What is the chilling aspect of this scene?

Answer 10

Macbeth’s valour is tinged with what appears to be a barbaric enjoyment of slaughter. He has a disturbing ferocity.