GCSE ENGLISH COURSEWORK - Macbeth

GCSE English Coursework

Macbeth

At the beginning of the play, before Macbeth is introduced, the impression given is that he is a very good man indeed. It is as if he was a local hero and could do no wrong. The sergeant refers to him as ‘brave Macbeth’ and Duncan says “O’ valiant cousin!" Worthy gentleman!”
Duncan, the king, rewards Macbeth with the title, thane of Cawder, the previous, treacherous thane having been sentenced to death. People speak of Macbeth’s brilliance in comparison with the treachery that he was to replace.
Scene 2 is very different and contrasting to Scene 1. The witches in the scene would have immediately triggered an atmosphere of interest and fright in the crowd of Shakespeare time because the people would have believed it. During the period in which this play was actually performed the people watching would have believed the superstitions. The witches would have meant something to the crowd instead of, how a modern day audience wou...