Shakespeare's Macbeth Act 1, scene 2 Duncan King of Scotland Malcom and Donaldbian Duncan's sons Thane of Lennox Macbeth Thane of Glamis Banquo Macbeth's friend; Scottish nobleman Thane of Ross Thane was the title given to a local royal official in medieval eastern Scotland
Setting military camp
King Duncan, his sons, and the Thane of Lennox wait for news of the war. A captain enters, coverd in so much blood he is almost unrecognizable. The captain tells them of the state of the battle against the invading Norwegians. Macbeth and Banquo have been especially brave in battle. Macbeth killed Macdonald.
The Thane of Ross arrives, and describes how Macbeth defeated Sweno, the Norwegian King, who now begs for a truce. Duncan proclaims that the traitors Thane of Cawdor shall be put to death and that MacBeth shall be made Thane of Cawdor. In this scene, notice how the outcome of a war could be decided by a battle between two warriors.
1 Act 1, scene 2
Shakespeare wrote Macbeth for King James I. Since King James I was born in Scotland, Shakespeare based Macbeth on real people and events in Scottish history. For example, Macbeth is set in Scotland in the early 1000s (11th century). At the time in history, there really was a King Duncan who ruled Scotland. He had two sons named Malcolm and Donalbain. Duncan became king in 1034 while Scotland was forming into a nation.
2 Act 1, scene 2
Simile a comparison of two unlike things using the words "like" or "as"
"Doubtful it stood; As two spent swimmers, that do cling together And choke their art." (lines 79)
Personification giving human qualities to objects
"My gashes cry for help." (line 41)
gash=wound
3