What does ross tell the king about the thane of cawdor?

Answer 1

Macbeth did not have a confrontation with the Thane of Cawdor. The general Ross is talking about in Act 1 Scene 2 is someone else. Ross says, "Norway himself, assisted by that most disloyal traitor, the Thane of Cawdor, began a dismal conflict, till that Bellona's bridegroom, lapp'd in proof, confronted him with self-comparisons, point against point rebellious, arm 'gainst arm, curbing his lavish spirit, and, to conclude, the victory fell on us." Macbeth is not mentioned. For good reason, because "Bellona's bridegroom" is someone else. We know that for a number of reasons.

First, the battle described by the bloody sergeant took place at Forres. Macbeth defeated Macdonwald at this battle. The battle Ross is talking about took place at Fife, which is about 140 miles away by modern roads. Ross has come from the end of the battle at Fife as fast as he can to Forres to bring the news to the king. It is unthinkable that Macbeth could have made the same trip (which would take about 14 hours by horseback) and have arrived at the beginning of a battle in Forres many hours before Ross.

Second, Macbeth does not know that Cawdor is a traitor until Ross tells him as much in Act 1 Scene 4. When the witches call him Thane of Cawdor, Macbeth says, "The Thane of Cawdor lives, a prosperous gentleman," and when Ross tells him he is the Thane of Cawdor, he says, "The Thane of Cawdor lives; why do you dress me in borrowed robes?" If Macbeth had captured Cawdor it would be ridiculous to describe him as a "prosperous gentleman" and not know why Cawdor is about to be stripped of his title.

Third, not only does Macbeth's reaction show that he has no idea of Cawdor's treachery, but Ross's reaction to him shows that Ross knows that Macbeth knows nothing of Cawdor's treachery. When Macbeth says that Cawdor is still alive, Ross says, "Who was the thane lives yet, but under heavy judgement bears that life which he deserves to lose. Whether he was combined with those of Norway, or did line the rebel with hidden help and vantage, or that with both he labour'd in his country's wreck, I know not. But treasons capital, confess'd and proved, have overthrown him." Would Ross have made this explanation if Macbeth had confronted the Thane of Cawdor in any way at all? Of course not! It would be ridiculous. It would be like telling Elliot Ness the news that someone has captured Al Capone for doing something illegal. If Macbeth had defeated Cawdor, and Ross had reported the same to Duncan, Ross would not have to make any explanation at all to Macbeth. He would instead have been asking Macbeth for details of Cawdor's treachery.

Finally, after the sergeant has told us all about what a great general Macbeth is, and how good at splitting people from the nave to the chaps, what would be the point of having another character say exactly the same thing about him? This would be to gild refined gold or to paint the lily. It would be superfluous. The mature Shakespeare does not write superfluous lines. Ross's report is included in the scene for quite another purpose than to heap further praise upon Macbeth (without ever naming him). Duncan must hear about Cawdor's treachery so that he can give the title to Macbeth. Ross's story of the defeat of the Norwegians at Fife, including the treachery of Cawdor, brings that news to Duncan. It is irrelevant who won the battle at Fife, so he is called "Bellona's bridegroom".

Answer 2

Ross tells the king that the thane of Cawdor confessed his treasonous acts before being executed. Ross explains that the thane of Cawdor faced his fate with dignity and repentance for his betrayal. This revelation foreshadows Macbeth's own downfall due to his own ambitious and treacherous actions.

Answer 3

Ross brings the news of the massacre of Macduff's family.

Answer 4

He confronted him with equal courage and skill and tells him about the traitor.