MACBETH ACT 1 SCENE 2

MACBETH ACT 1 SCENE 2

1. A captain describes to Duncan, Malcolm, Ross and Lennox Macbeth's performance in the war

   • "Brave Macbeth" can be seen as ironic since Lady Macbeth calls him kind in scene 5, and he can be seen as cowardly when he struggles to kill Duncan in cold blood
     • "Smok'd with bloody execution" is highly graphic brings in the debate about whether the violence is no longer shocking, and characterises Macbeth as dangerous
       • "With his former title greet Macbeth" Argument about fate and free will; Macbeth kills the previous Thane of Cawdor, does he bring his fate upon himself?
         • "noble Macbeth" Nobility is also a key theme and it is debatable whether Macbeth still retains his nobility by the climax of the play