Towards the beginning of the play, Angus and Ross meet Macbeth and Banquo after battle. They deliver a message from King Duncan that praises Macbeth’s success on the battlefield and requests his presence. On behalf of the king, the two men also grant Macbeth the title “thane of Cawdor.” This shocks Macbeth and Banquo, for the witches only just addressed Macbeth with this title. Macbeth asserts that “The thane of Cawdor lives.” Angus admits that the thane is alive at the moment, but he was unquestionably involved in betraying Scotland. Macbeth stands in shock, contemplating whether the witches’ premonition that he would be king will also come true. This sets off Macbeth’s bloody path to be king. In spite of reasoning that “chance may crown me, / Without my stir,” he already seems disturbed by the thought of taking a more violent route to the crown. This scene also eerily foreshadows Macbeth’s betrayal. In spite of his closeness to Duncan, Macbeth proves to be no more trustworthy than the previous thane.
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