Macbeth · Chapter
Scene II explained
At a camp near Forres, King Duncan, Malcolm, Donalbain, and Lennox meet a bleeding sergeant who reports on the battle.
What happens
At a camp near Forres, King Duncan, Malcolm, Donalbain, and Lennox meet a bleeding sergeant who reports on the battle. The sergeant describes how Macbeth valiantly defeated the rebel Macdonwald and then, with Banquo, repelled a fresh assault by the Norwegian lord. Ross arrives and confirms the victory, also revealing that the Thane of Cawdor has betrayed Scotland by aiding Norway. Duncan orders the Thane of Cawdor's execution and bestows his title upon Macbeth.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Power
Macbeth's heroic feats in battle set the stage for his rise, but the bestowal of Cawdor's title foreshadows the corrupting influence of ambition and power.
Appearance vs. Reality
The Thane of Cawdor appears loyal but is revealed as a traitor, contrasting with Macbeth's current appearance as a valiant hero, hinting at future deception.
Characters to notice
- King Duncan
King Duncan arrives at the camp, receives reports of the battle, and orders the Thane of Cawdor's execution while granting his title to Macbeth.
- Malcolm
Malcolm identifies the bleeding sergeant and introduces him to Duncan, facilitating the report of the battle.
- Macbeth
Macbeth is praised for his bravery in battle, described as carving through the enemy and defeating Macdonwald, then fighting fiercely against the Norwegians.
- Banquo
Banquo is mentioned alongside Macbeth as a captain who fought valiantly against the Norwegian assault.
- Ross
Ross arrives from Fife to report the outcome of the battle against Norway and the treachery of the Thane of Cawdor.
- Thane of Cawdor
The Thane of Cawdor is identified as a disloyal traitor who aided Norway; Duncan orders his execution.
Key passages
“Till he unseam’d him from the nave to the chaps, And fix’d his head upon our battlements.”
Macbeth split Macdonwald open from the navel to the jaw and placed his head on the castle walls as a trophy.
The sergeant vividly describes Macbeth's brutal and decisive victory over the rebel leader.
“No more that thane of Cawdor shall deceive Our bosom interest: go pronounce his present death, And with his former title greet Macbeth.”
The Thane of Cawdor will no longer betray our trust; announce his execution and give his title to Macbeth.
Duncan orders the execution of the traitorous Thane of Cawdor and rewards Macbeth with his title.