ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -The witches hail Macbeth first by his title Thane of Glamis, then as Thane of Cawdor and finally as king. They then prophesy that Banquo’s children will become kings. Macbeth demands to know more but the witches vanish. Ross and Angus arrive to tell Macbeth that he has been given the title Thane of Cawdor by Duncan.

Detailed explanation-2: -Overjoyed at the news, Duncan decides to bestow Cawdor’s title on Macbeth, and to execute the former thane. Macbeth and his fellow Captain, Banquo, encounter the three withes, who hail Macbeth as Thane of Glamis, of Cawdor and as ‘King hereafter’.

Detailed explanation-3: -A captain reports having seen Macbeth and Banquo fight bravely against the rebels and, in particular, Macbeth killed the traitorous MacDonwald. As a reward, King Duncan determines to give Macbeth the title of Thane of Cawdor and sends Ross as his messenger to deliver to news to Macbeth.

Detailed explanation-4: -The play begins with Duncan, his sons and his thanes engaged in a battle with rebel lords and the invading King of Norway. He trusts Macbeth and all of his loyal men, and makes Macbeth Thane of Cawdor in gratitude for his service in the battle.

Detailed explanation-5: -Macduff, Thane of Fife, is loyal to King Duncan. He is the first to discover Duncan’s dead body and never believes it was the servants who killed him. Macduff flees to England, trying to find King Duncan’s son Malcolm and restore him as rightful king but meanwhile, Macbeth has Macduff’s wife and children murdered.