#Macbeth act 1 scene 4 summary full#

Macbeth's and Banquo's fighting is compared to the action of artillery pieces (even though, historically, this battle would have been a sword fight). Macbeth's reputation on the battlefield is further enhanced by the similes of the Captain's second report, in which Macbeth and his fellow-captain, Banquo, are compared to 'eagles' and 'lions' unafraid of the timid Norwegians, who themselves are likened to 'sparrows' or 'a hare.' Symbolically, the lion appears on the royal coat of arms of the kings of Scotland. Macbeth did not simply kill Macdonald he 'unseam'd him from the nave to the chops, / And fix'd his head upon our battlements' (22-23) - a reference that foreshadows Macbeth's death at the end of the play. His strength is underscored by the captain's graphic account of Macbeth's actions on the battlefield. Phrases such as 'Valour's minion' (the servant of Courage) and 'Bellona's bridegroom' (the husband of War) exemplify Macbeth's superheroism. The introduction of Macbeth as a warrior hero is crucial to the play, for tragedy depends on our witnessing the downfall of an already great man. It was left to the brave warrior Macbeth, 'disdaining Fortune,' to reverse this situation. whore' - a traditional personification of her fickleness - would support Macdonald. To describe the inertia of the two armies, the captain uses a metaphor of two drowning men, who gain no advantage by clinging together but instead 'choke their art.' At this stage in the battle, it had appeared that Fortune, like a 'smiling. At first, he says, the outcome of the fighting was in doubt. Finally, Duncan orders Cawdor's execution and arranges for his title to pass to Macbeth.Ī captain of Duncan's army makes the initial report of the battle. In each case, Macbeth's heroism shines out, leading to victory for Scotland and surrender by Sweno. In this scene, Duncan receives three significant reports: the death of the rebel Macdonald at the hands of 'brave Macbeth' Macbeth's action against the Norwegians and the treachery of the Thane of Cawdor, who has sided with the enemy.

King Duncan faces not only his own rebellious kinsmen but also an invasion by King Sweno of the Norwegians. All the while, Macbeth attempts to hide his frustration at the thought that King Duncan has settled on Malcolm his heir.Scotland is at war. He frequently uses the terms “plant,” “grow,” and “harvest.” This imagery - present throughout the speeches of Banquo, Macbeth, and King Duncan - reinforces the play’s dramatic irony and foreshadowing of future events. Shakespeare uses a plethora of imagery regarding the natural environment in this scene. Banquo’s talk of seeds and the harvest symbolize his progeny’s ascent to the throne, as the witches foretold it. This statement recalls his previous inquiry to “investigate the seeds of time / And say which one will develop, and which won’t” (I:3, 58-59). As a promise, he says that he would return the “harvest” to King Duncan. He too asks King Duncan if he could be allowed to grow in his favor. At this point, Banquo joins the dialogue. Although King Duncan has already selected Malcolm as his successor, he envisions Macbeth fitting into undefined future roles.

#Macbeth act 1 scene 4 summary full#

The king says, to Macbeth, that he has “begun to plant thee, and will labor / to make full of growing” (28-29). King Duncan’s speech makes clear the fact that he has started viewing Macbeth as a potential successor. Since there is no way King Duncan could have anticipated the Thane of Cawdor’s treachery, he remains vulnerable to future attacks. The king regrets that he did not foresee his betrayal, saying, “There’s no art to find the mind’s construction in the face.” He means it is impossible to determine someone’s intentions based on his or her appearance. King Duncan has a strong reaction to news of the Thane of Cawdor’s execution.

In addition, the outcomes of the scene catalyze Macbeth's future actions. First, they illustrate the nature of the relationship between King Duncan and Macbeth. This scene’s dramatic twists and turns serve multiple purposes.