Nthe opening scenes of act i, macbeth is depicted as a great warrior who is given a prestigious new title.
how does shakespeare's decision to depict macbeth in this way affect the play?
by depicting macbeth as a figure on the rise when the play begins, shakespeare puts macbeth on a collision course with duncan and deftly establishes the conflict that will drive the rest of the play forward.
by contrasting macbeth's positive traits with the negative qualities of duncan, shakespeare subtly suggests that macbeth's assassination of duncan is justified.
by showing the way macbeth fools others into admiring him and thinking that he is respectable, shakespeare foreshadows the treacherous deeds that the protagonist will commit later in the play.
by immediately establishing macbeth as a respectable and honorable figure, shakespeare influences audiences and readers to naturally want the best for the protagonist.