Duncan decides to give Macbeth a promotion to the title thane of Cawdor.
Duncan gets a report that Macbeth was very brave and noble in the recent battle. The thane of Cawdor they call a “most disloyal traitor,” but Macbeth was described as brave. The sergeant told Duncan that Macbeth “carved out his passage” and cut down the “merciless Macdonwald” in the battle. Norway lost the battle, and Scottland won.
Duncan’s response was to promote Macbeth.
DUNCAN
No more that thane of Cawdor shall deceive
Our bosom interest: go pronounce his present death,
And with his former title greet Macbeth. (Act 1, Scene 2)
Clearly, Duncan is impressed with Macbeth’s bravery and skill on the battlefield. He knows nothing about the witches, of course. He assumes that Macbeth will be thrilled to have been promoted to thane of Cawdor, and not be expect anything else. Why would he?
When Macbeth finds out about his promotion, he is surprised.
The thane of Cawdor lives: why do you dress me
In borrow'd robes?Who was the thane lives yet;
But under heavy judgment bears that life
Which he deserves to lose. … (Act 1, Scene 2)
It is not so much happiness at the promotion that causes Macbeth to comment as curiosity at the fact that one of the prophecies came true. Banquo also is interested in this news. If one of these prophecies came true, might the others too?
Alas, it is not to be. The prophecy about Macbeth being king does not immediately come true. When Duncan's son Malcolm is named the king's successor, Macbeth is irritated. His ambition comes out. He wanted to be king, and even though it makes sense for the king to name his son as heir, Macbeth thought that if one prophecy came true the rest should too. Macbeth decides to make the prophecy come true one way or another, even if it means killing the king.
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