Describe the battle in Act 1 Scene 1 of Macbeth and the reasons why this battle gives Macbeth the title Thane of Cawdor.

It is assumed that the battle occurred during Act I, Scene
1. We don’t get the full story of what happens in the battle until Act 1, Scene 2, 3 and
4. The reason Duncan proclaims Macbeth the new Thane of Cawdor is because the former
Thane of Cawdor performed some act of treachery or treason during the battle. Duncan
promptly orders the Thane of Cawdor’s execution. Duncan
says:

No more
that Thane of Cawdor shall deceive

Our bosom interest: go
pronounce his death,

And with this former title greet
Macbeth (1.1.63-65).

Despite
the Thane of Cawdor’s treason, Macbeth led the Scottish forces to victory over
Macdonwald and the Norwegians.

In Act 1, Scene 4,
Malcolm informs Duncan that the former Thane of Cawdor has been executed. Prior to the
execution, the Thane confessed and asked forgiveness. Duncan regrets having ordered the
execution. But Duncan is comforted that Macbeth, who up to this point has been loyal and
a worthy soldier, is taking over Cawdor.