Macbeth Group

Question:


kongchristina
Student
College - Senior

Why was the old Thane of Cawdor executed in "Macbeth"?

Act 1 scene4

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Posted by kongchristina on Monday June 1, 2009 at 2:16 AM and tagged with act i, execution, king duncan, macbeth.

Answers:


  1. troutmiller Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    He was found a traitor to the King of Scotland.  He had helped the Norway and was caught.  Because he was disloyal, he was executed.  Because Macbeth showed such valiant efforts with great results in battle, he earned the new title as Thane of Cawdor to take the other's place.  What is interesting is that he becomes just as disloyal to the king--even worse--after he receives that same title--because he kills the king.  Here is where Ross explains to the king how Cawdor was unfaithful.

    "Norway himself,
    With terrible numbers,
    Assisted by that most disloyal traitor
    The thane of Cawdor, began a dismal conflict"

     

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/macbeth/act-summary-analysis

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    Posted by troutmiller on Monday June 1, 2009 at 4:31 AM

  2. wshakespeare
    wshakespeare Student
    High School - 9th Grade

    He was definitely executed because of treasonbut most importantly to make way for Macbeth as it was destined

     

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    Posted by wshakespeare on Wednesday June 3, 2009 at 5:06 AM