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Macbeth
EXTRA CREDIT
INTR
INTRO
O
Shakespeare or Not? There are some who believe Shakespeare
BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE wasn't educated enough to write the plays attributed to him.
The most common anti-Shakespeare theory is that Edward de
Shakespeare's father was a glove-maker, and Shakespeare
Vere, the Earl of Oxford, wrote the plays and used Shakespeare
received no more than a grammar school education. He
as a front man because aristocrats were not supposed to write
married Anne Hathaway in 1582, but left his family behind
plays. Yet the evidence supporting Shakespeare's authorship
around 1590 and moved to London, where he became an actor
far outweighs any evidence against. So until further notice,
and playwright. He was an immediate success: Shakespeare
Shakespeare is still the most influential writer in the English
soon became the most popular playwright of the day as well as
language.
a part-owner of the Globe Theater. His theater troupe was
adopted by King James as the King's Men in 1603. Shakespeare
retired as a rich and prominent man to Stratford-upon-Avon in
1613, and died three years later.
PL
PLO
OT SUMMARY
HISTORICAL CONTEXT Norwegians, aided by Scottish rebels, have invaded Scotland.
The Scots successfully defend their country and their beloved
When Queen Elizabeth died in 1603, King James of Scotland
king, Duncan. One Scotsman in particular, Macbeth, Thane of
became King of England. James almost immediately gave his
Glamis, distinguishes himself in fighting off the invaders. After
patronage to Shakespeare's company, making them the King's
the battle, Macbeth and his friend Banquo come upon the
Men. In many ways, Macbeth can be seen as a show of gratitude
weird sisters, three witches who prophesy that Macbeth will
from Shakespeare to his new King and benefactor. For instance,
become Thane of Cawdor, and one day King. They further
King James actually traced his ancestry back to the real-life
prophesy that Banquo's descendants will be kings. The men
Banquo. Shakespeare's transformation of the Banquo in
don't at first believe the witches, but then learn that the old
Holinshed's Chronicles who helped murder Duncan to the noble
Thane of Cawdor was actually a traitor helping the
man in Macbeth who refused to help kill Duncan is therefore a
Norwegians, and that Duncan has rewarded Macbeth's bravery
kind of compliment given to King James' ancestor.
on the battlefield by making him Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth
RELATED LITERARY WORKS immediately fantasizes about murdering Duncan and becoming
Shakespeare's source for Macbeth was Raphael Holinshed's king, but pushes the thought away. Later that day, Duncan
Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland, though in writing announces that his eldest son, Malcolm, will be heir to his
Macbeth Shakespeare changed numerous details for dramatic throne. As Macbeth begins to succumb to his ambition, Duncan
and thematic reasons, and even for political reasons (see decides to spend the night in celebration at Macbeth's castle of
Related Historical Events). For instance, in Holinshed's version, Inverness.
Duncan was a weak and ineffectual King, and Banquo actually Lady Macbeth receives a letter from her husband about the
helped Macbeth commit the murder. Shakespeare's changes to prophecy and Duncan's imminent arrival. She decides her
the story emphasize Macbeth's fall from nobility to man ruled husband is too kind to follow his ambitions, and vows to push
by ambition and destroyed by guilt. him to murder Duncan and take the crown that very night.
KEY FACTS Macbeth at first resists his wife's plan, but his ambition and her
constant questioning of his courage and manhood win him over.
Full Title: The Tragedy of Macbeth That night they murder Duncan and frame the men guarding
When Written: 1606 Duncan's room. The next morning, Macduff, another Scottish
Where Written: England thane, discovers Duncan dead and raises the alarm. Macbeth
and Lady Macbeth pretend to be shocked and outraged.
When Published: 1623
Macbeth murders the guardsmen of Duncan's room to keep
Literary Period: The Renaissance (1500 - 1660) them silent, but says he did it out of a furious rage that they
Genre: Tragic drama killed the king. Duncan's sons think they may be the next target,
and flee. Macbeth is made king, and because they ran, Duncan's
Setting: Scotland and, briefly, England during the eleventh
sons become the prime suspects in their father's murder.
century
Because he knows the witches' prophecy, Banquo is suspicious
Climax: Macbeth's murder of Duncan
of Macbeth. And because of the prophecy that Banquo's line

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will reign as kings, Macbeth sees Banquo as a threat. Macbeth Macbeth is that he senses the murder will lead to his own
gives a feast, inviting many thanes, including Banquo. Macbeth destruction even before he murders Duncan, yet his ambition is
hires two murderers to kill Banquo and his son Fleance as they so great that he still goes through with it.
ride to attend the feast. The men kill Banquo, but Fleance Lady Macbeth – Macbeth's wife. Unlike her husband, she has
escapes. At the feast, Macbeth sees Banquo's ghost, though no no reservations about murdering Duncan in order to make
one else does. Macbeth's behavior and the death of Banquo Macbeth King of Scotland. She believes that a true man takes
make all the thanes suspicious. They begin to think of Macbeth what he wants, and whenever Macbeth objects to murdering
as a tyrant. Macduff refuses to appear at the royal court at all, Duncan on moral grounds, she questions his courage. Lady
and goes to England to support Malcolm in his effort to raise an Macbeth assumes that she'll be able to murder Duncan and
army against Macbeth. then quickly forget it once she's Queen of Scotland. But she
Macbeth visits the three witches to learn more about his fate. discovers that guilt is not so easily avoided, and falls into
They show him three apparitions who tell Macbeth to beware madness and despair.
Macduff, but also that no "man born of woman" can defeat him Banquo – A Scottish nobleman, general, and friend of Macbeth.
and that he will rule until Birnam Wood marches to Dunsinane He is also the father of Fleance. The weird sisters prophesies
(a castle). Since all men are born of women and trees can't that while Banquo will never be King of Scotland, his
move, Macbeth takes this to mean he's invincible. Yet the descendants will one day sit on the throne. Banquo is as
witches also confirm the prophecy that Banquo's line will one ambitious as Macbeth, but unlike Macbeth he resists putting
day rule Scotland. To strengthen his hold on the crown, his selfish ambition above his honor or the good of Scotland.
Macbeth sends men to Macduff's castle to murder Macduff's Because he both knows the prophecy and is honorable, Banquo
family. Meanwhile, in England, Macduff and Malcolm prepare to is both a threat to Macbeth and a living example of the noble
invade Scotland. When news comes to England of the murder path that Macbeth chose not to take. After Macbeth has
of Macduff's family, Macduff, weeping, vows revenge. Banquo murdered he is haunted by Banquo's ghost, which
While the English and Scottish under Malcolm march toward symbolizes Macbeth's terrible guilt at what he has become.
Dunsinane, Lady Macbeth begins sleepwalking and imagining Macduff – A Scottish nobleman, and the Thane of Fife. His wife
blood on her hands that can't be washed off. Macbeth has is Lady Macduff, and the two have babies and a young son.
become manic, cruel, and haughty—many of his men desert to Macduff offers a contrast to Macbeth: a Scottish lord who, far
Malcolm's side. In Birnam Wood, Malcolm and his generals from being ambitious, puts the welfare of Scotland even ahead
devise a strategy to hide their numbers—they cut branches to of the welfare of his own family. Macduff suspects Macbeth
hold up in front of them. As Macbeth prepares for the siege, from the beginning, and becomes one of the leaders of the
Lady Macbeth dies, perhaps of suicide. Macbeth can barely feel rebellion. After Macbeth has Macduff's family murdered,
anything anymore, and her death only makes him give a speech Macduff's desire for vengeance becomes more personal and
about the meaninglessness of life. Then Malcolm's forces powerful.
appear looking like a forest marching toward the castle.
Malcolm's forces quickly capture Dunsinane, but Macbeth King Duncan – The King of Scotland, and the father of Malcolm
himself fights on, mocking all who dare to face him as "men and Donalbain. Macbeth murders him to get the crown.
born of woman." But Macduff reveals that he was "untimely Duncan is the model of a good, virtuous king who puts the
ripped" from his mother's womb (a caesarean section). Macduff welfare of the country above his own and seeks, like a gardener,
kills Macbeth, and Malcolm is crowned as King of Scotland. to nurture and grow the kingdom that is his responsibility.
Duncan is the living embodiment of the political and social
order that Macbeth destroys.
CHARA
CHARACTERS
CTERS Malcolm – The older of King Duncan's two sons, and Duncan's
designated heir to the throne of Scotland. Early in the play,
Macbeth – Lady Macbeth's husband and a Scottish nobleman, Malcolm is a weak and inexperienced leader, and he actually
the Thane of Glamis. He is made Thane of Cawdor for his flees Scotland in fear after his father is murdered. But Malcolm
bravery in battle, and becomes King of Scotland by murdering matures, and with the help of Macduff and an English army,
the previous King, Duncan. As Macbeth opens, Macbeth is one Malcolm eventually overthrows Macbeth and retakes the
of the great noblemen in Scotland: valiant, loyal, and honorable. throne, restoring the order that was destroyed when Duncan
He's also ambitious, and while this ambition helps to make him was murdered.
the great lord he is, once he hears the weird sisters' prophecy
Macbeth becomes so consumed by his desire for power that he Weird Sisters – Three witches, whose prophecy helps push
becomes a tyrannical and violent monster who ultimately Macbeth's ambition over the edge, and convinces him to
destroys himself. What's perhaps most interesting about murder Duncan in order to become King. The witches'

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knowledge of future events clearly indicates that they have themes occur throughout the work. If you don't have a color
supernatural powers, and they also clearly enjoy using those printer, use the numbers instead.
powers to cause havoc and mayhem among mankind. But it is
important to realize that the witches never compel anyone to 1 AMBITION
do anything. Instead, they tell half-truths to lure men into giving
Macbeth is a play about ambition run amok. The weird sisters'
into their own dark desires. It's left vague in Macbeth whether
prophecies spur both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth to try to
Macbeth would have become King of Scotland if he just sat
fulfill their ambitions, but the witches never make Macbeth or
back and did nothing. This vagueness seems to suggest that
while the broad outlines of a person's fate might be his wife do anything. Macbeth and his wife act on their own to
predetermined, how the fate plays out is up to him. fulfill their deepest desires. Macbeth, a good general and, by all
accounts before the action of the play, a good man, allows his
Fleance – Banquo's teenage son. Macbeth sees him as a threat ambition to overwhelm him and becomes a murdering,
because of the weird sisters' prophecy that Banquo's paranoid maniac. Lady Macbeth, once she begins to put into
descendants will one day rule Scotland. actions the once-hidden thoughts of her mind, is crushed by
Lady Macduff – The wife of Macduff and the mother of guilt.
Macduff's children (and the only female character of note in the Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth want to be great and
play besides Lady Macbeth). She questions her husband's powerful, and sacrifice their morals to achieve that goal. By
decision to leave his family behind when he goes to England to contrasting these two characters with others in the play, such
help Malcolm save Scotland from Macbeth. as Banquo, Duncan, and Macduff, who also want to be great
Young Macduff – Macduff's son, still a child. leaders but refuse to allow ambition to come before honor,
Lenno
ennoxx – A Scottish nobleman. Macbeth shows how naked ambition, freed from any sort of
moral or social conscience, ultimately takes over every other
Ross – A Scottish nobleman. characteristic of a person. Unchecked ambition, Macbeth
Angus – A Scottish nobleman. suggests, can never be fulfilled, and therefore quickly grows
Donalbain – King Duncan's younger son and Malcolm's into a monster that will destroy anyone who gives into it.
brother.
Murderers – Men hired by Macbeth to kill Banquo and 2 FATE
Fleance. From the moment the weird sisters tell Macbeth and Banquo
Porter – The guardian of the gate at Macbeth's castle.. their prophecies, both the characters and the audience are
forced to wonder about fate. Is it real? Is action necessary to
Hecate – The goddess of witchcraft.
make it come to pass, or will the prophecy come true no matter
Gentlewoman – Lady Macbeth's attendant. what one does? Different characters answer these questions in
Siward – A warlike English lord. different ways at different times, and the final answers are
ambiguous—as fate always is.
Young Siward – Siward's son.
Unlike Banquo, Macbeth acts: he kills Duncan. Macbeth tries to
King Edward – The King of England. He is so saintly his touch
master fate, to make fate conform to exactly what he wants.
can cure the sick.
But, of course, fate doesn't work that way. By trying to master
Captain – A captain in the Scottish Army. fate once, Macbeth puts himself in the position of having to
Se
Seyton
yton – Macbeth's servant. master fate always. At every instant, he has to struggle against
Old Man – An elderly fellow who sees some strange things those parts of the witches' prophecies that don't favor him.
happen the night Macbeth murders Duncan. Ultimately, Macbeth becomes so obsessed with his fate that he
becomes delusional: he becomes unable to see the half-truths
English Doctor – An English doctor. behind the witches' prophecies. By trying to master fate, he
Scottish Doctor – The doctor Macbeth assigns to cure Lady brings himself to ruin.
Macbeth of her madness.
3 VIOLENCE
THEMES To call Macbeth a violent play is an understatement. It begins in
battle, contains the murder of men, women, and children, and
In LitCharts each theme gets its own color and number. Our ends not just with a climactic siege but the suicide of Lady
color-coded theme boxes make it easy to track where the Macbeth and the beheading of its main character, Macbeth. In
the process of all this bloodshed, Macbeth makes an important

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point about the nature of violence: every violent act, even those
done for selfless reasons, seems to lead inevitably to the next. SYMBOLS
The violence through which Macbeth takes the throne, as
Symbols appear in red text throughout the Summary & Analysis
Macbeth himself realizes, opens the way for others to try to
sections of this LitChart.
take the throne for themselves through violence. So Macbeth
must commit more violence, and more violence, until violence is
all he has left. As Macbeth himself says after seeing Banquo's VISIONS AND HALLUCINATIONS
ghost, "blood will to blood." Violence leads to violence, a vicious A number of times in Macbeth, Macbeth sees or hears strange
cycle. things: the floating dagger, the voice that says he's murdering
sleep, and Banquo's ghost. As Macbeth himself wonders about
4 NATURE AND THE UNNATURAL the dagger, are these sights and sounds supernatural visions or
In medieval times, it was believed that the health of a country figments of his guilty imagination? The play contains no
was directly related to the goodness and moral legitimacy of its definitive answer, which is itself a kind of answer: they're both.
king. If the King was good and just, then the nation would have Macbeth is a man at war with himself, his innate honor battling
good harvests and good weather. If there was political order, his ambition. Just as nature goes haywire when the normal
then there would be natural order. Macbeth shows this natural order is ruptured, Macbeth's own mind does the same
connection between the political and natural world: when when it is forced to fight against itself.
Macbeth disrupts the social and political order by murdering
Duncan and usurping the throne, nature goes haywire. BLOOD
Incredible storms rage, the earth tremors, animals go insane Blood is always closely linked to violence, but over the course
and eat each other. The unnatural events of the physical world of Macbeth blood comes to symbolize something else: guilt.
emphasize the horror of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's acts, and Death and killing happen in an instant, but blood remains, and
mirrors the warping of their souls by ambition. stains. At the times when both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
Also note the way that different characters talk about nature in feel most guilty, they despair that they will never be able to
the play. Duncan and Malcolm use nature metaphors when wash the blood—their guilt—from their hands.
they speak of kingship—they see themselves as gardeners and
want to make their realm grow and flower. In contrast, SLEEP
Macbeth and Lady Macbeth either try to hide from nature
(wishing the stars would disappear) or to use nature to hide When he murders Duncan, Macbeth thinks he hears a voice
their cruel designs (being the serpent hiding beneath the say "Macbeth does murder sleep" (2.2.34). Sleep symbolizes
innocent flower). The implication is that Macbeth and Lady innocence, purity, and peace of mind, and in killing Duncan
Macbeth, once they've given themselves to the extreme Macbeth actually does murder sleep: Lady Macbeth begins to
selfishness of ambition, have themselves become unnatural. sleepwalk, and Macbeth is haunted by his nightmares.

5 MANHOOD QUO
QUOTES
TES
Over and over again in Macbeth, characters discuss or debate
about manhood: Lady Macbeth challenges Macbeth when he The color-coded boxes under each quote below make it easy to
decides not to kill Duncan, Banquo refuses to join Macbeth in track the themes related to each quote. Each color corresponds
his plot, Lady Macduff questions Macduff's decision to go to to one of the themes explained in the Themes section of this
England, and on and on. LitChart.
Through these challenges, Macbeth questions and examines
manhood itself. Does a true man take what he wants no matter ACT I QUOTES
what it is, as Lady Macbeth believes? Or does a real man have Fair is foul, and foul is fair. (12)
the strength to restrain his desires, as Banquo believes? All of
Macbeth can be seen as a struggle to answer this question •Speak
•Speaker
er: Weird Sisters
about the nature and responsibilities of manhood. •Related themes
themes: Nature and the Unnatural
•Theme T
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And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, I have no spur
The instruments of darkness tell us truths, To prick the sides of my intent, but only
Win us with honest trifles, to betray's Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself
In deepest consequence. (125) And falls on the other. (25)
•Speak
•Speaker
er: Banquo •Speak
•Speaker
er: Macbeth
•Mentioned or related char
characters
acters: Macbeth, Weird Sisters •Related themes
themes: Ambition, Violence, Manhood
•Related themes
themes: Ambition, Fate, Violence, Manhood •Theme T
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1 3 5
1 2 3 5
I dare do all that may become a man;
Stars, hide your fires! Who dares do more, is none. (47)
Let not light see my black and deep desires. (52) •Speak
•Speaker
er: Macbeth
•Speak
•Speaker
er: Macbeth •Related themes
themes: Manhood
•Related themes
themes: Ambition, Violence, Nature and the •Theme T
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Unnatural, Manhood
5
•Theme T
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1 3 4 5
Macbeth: If we should fail.
Lady Macbeth: We fail?
Come, you spirits But screw your courage to the sticking-place,
That tend on mortal thoughts! unsex me here, And we'll not fail. (58)
And fill me from the crown to the toe, top-full •Speak
•Speaker
er: Macbeth, Lady Macbeth
Of direst cruelty; make thick my blood,
•Related themes
themes: Ambition, Manhood
Stop up the access and passage to remorse,
That no compunctious visitings of nature •Theme T
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Shake my fell purpose, nor keep peace between
The effect and it! Come to my woman's breasts,
1 5
And take my milk for gall. (30)
ACT 2 QUOTES
•Speak
•Speaker
er: Lady Macbeth
Is this a dagger which I see before me,
•Related themes
themes: Ambition, Violence, Nature and the
The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee;
Unnatural
I have thee not, and yet I see thee still.
•Theme T
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code: Art thou not, fatal vision, sensible
To feeling as to sight? or art thou but
1 3 4
A dagger of the mind, a false creation,
Proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain?
Look like the innocent flower, I see thee yet, in form as palpable
But be the serpent under it. (56) As this which now I draw. (33)

•Speak
•Speaker
er: Lady Macbeth •Speak
•Speaker
er: Macbeth

•Mentioned or related char

characters
acters: Macbeth •Related themes
themes: Violence, Nature and the Unnatural

•Related themes
themes: Violence, Nature and the Unnatural •Theme T
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3 4
Methought I heard a voice cry, Sleep no more!
Macbeth does murder sleep, — the innocent sleep;

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Sleep, that knits up the ravell'd sleave of care, •Theme T
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The death of each day's life, sore labor's bath,
Balm of hurt minds, great nature's second course, 3 4
Chief nourisher in life's feast. (36)
•Speak
•Speaker
er: Macbeth Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow
•Related themes
themes: Violence, Nature and the Unnatural Creeps in this petty pace from day to day
To the last syllable of recorded time;
•Theme T
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And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
3 4 The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
ACT 3 QUOTES And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Nought's had, all's spent Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Where our desire is got without content. (7) Signifying nothing. (19)

•Speak
•Speaker
er: Lady Macbeth •Speak
•Speaker
er: Macbeth
•Related themes
themes: Ambition, Violence, Nature and the •Related themes
themes: Ambition, Violence, Nature and the
Unnatural Unnatural, Manhood
•Theme T
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1 3 4 1 3 4 5

I am in blood SUMMARY & ANAL

ANALYSIS
YSIS
Stepp'd in so far, that, should I wade no more,
Returning were as tedious as go o'er. (142) The color-coded boxes under "Analysis & Themes" below make
it easy to track the themes throughout the work. Each color
•Speak
•Speaker
er: Macbeth corresponds to one of the themes explained in the Themes
•Related themes
themes: Violence section of this LitChart.
•Theme T
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code: ACT 1, SCENE 1
3 As a storm rages, three The witches' rhyming speech
witches appear, speaking in makes them seem inhuman,
rhyming, paradoxical couplets: ominous, and paranormal, which,
ACT 4 QUOTES "when the battle's lost and in fact, they are.
By the pricking of my thumbs, won" (1.1.4); "fair is foul, and
Something wicked this way comes. (44) foul is fair" (1.1.10). They 2 4
agree to meet again on the
•Speak
•Speaker
er: Weird Sisters
heath (plain) when the battle
•Mentioned or related char
characters
acters: Macbeth now raging ends. There they'll
•Related themes
themes: Ambition, Violence, Nature and the meet Macbeth.
Unnatural
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1 3 4

ACT 5 QUOTES
Out, damned spot! out, I say! (34)
•Speak
•Speaker
er: Lady Macbeth
•Related themes
themes: Violence, Nature and the Unnatural

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ACT 1, SCENE 2 Macbeth asks how the The prophecy is fulfilled and the
witches know this information. witches' power is proved to be
At a military camp, King The blood covering the captain
But the witches vanish, making genuine. The traitorous old
Duncan of Scotland, his sons makes him an unrecognizable
the two men wonder if they Thane of Cawdor is replaced by
Malcolm and Donalbain, and monster, just as Macbeth, who in
could have imagined the whole Macbeth.
the Thane of Lennox wait for this scene is described as a noble
thing. Just then, Ross and
news of the war. A captain hero who is brave and loyal to his 2
Angus enter. They tell
enters, covered in so much king, will be transformed into a
Macbeth that the old Thane of
blood he is almost monster as he becomes
Cawdor was a traitor and that
unrecognizable. The captain "covered" with the metaphorical
Duncan has made Macbeth
tells them of the state of the blood of those he kills to achieve
the new Thane of Cawdor.
battle against the invading his ambitions.
Norwegians and the Scottish Macbeth and Banquo are Banquo guesses the witches' plot
rebels Macdonald and the 3 shocked. Macbeth asks exactly. This means that when
Thane of Cawdor. Two Scottish Banquo if he now thinks that Macbeth chooses to believe the
nobleman have been especially his children will be king. witches and act, he knows the
brave, Macbeth (the Thane of Banquo seems unsure, and risks.
Glamis) and Banquo. Macbeth comments that "instruments
killed Macdonald ("unseemed of darkness" sometimes tell 2 4
him from the nave to th' chops" half truths to bring men to
(1.2.22)). ruin.
The Thane of Ross arrives, and Duncan rewards and trusts his As Banquo talks with Ross and Macbeth is already thinking
describes how Macbeth subjects. This is the opposite of Angus, Macbeth ponders the about killing Duncan, but the
defeated Sweno, the personal ambition. Ironically, prophecy. If it's evil, why would thought terrifies him: he's
Norwegian King, who now though, he replaces one traitor it truly predict his being made struggling against his ambition.
begs for a truce. Duncan with a much worse traitor. Thane of Cawdor? If it's good, His thoughts about fate are
proclaims that the traitorous why would he already be classic: does fate happen no
Thane of Cawdor shall be put 1 contemplating murder, a matter what, or must one act?
to death, and that Macbeth thought that makes "my seated
shall be made Thane of heart knock at my ribs" 1 2 3 4
Cawdor. (1.3.134-136)? Macbeth feels
that he's losing himself, and
ACT 1, SCENE 3 hopes that if fate says he'll
On the heath the witches The witches are established as become king, he won't have to
appear. They call themselves both wicked and magically act to make it happen.
the "weird sisters" (1.3.30) and powerful. Ross and Angus think This exchange with Banquo is the
brag of their dread and magical Macbeth's reverie is caused by last time Macbeth is honest in
deeds such as killing swine and 2 4
becoming Thane of Cawdor. the play.
cursing a sailor to waste away. Macbeth and Banquo agree to
Macbeth and Banquo enter. Does the fear Banquo notes in speak about the witches' 1 4
The witches hail Macbeth as Macbeth signal that Macbeth's prophecy later.
Thane of Glamis, Thane of doomed struggle against his
Cawdor, and "king hereafter" ambition starts the instant he
(1.3.47). Banquo asks Macbeth hears the prophecy?
why he seems to fear this good
news, then questions the 2
witches about his own future.
They say that Banquo is "lesser
than Macbeth and greater"
(1.3.63) because though he'll
never be king, his descendants
will.

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ACT 1, SCENE 4 A servant enters with news In order to murder Duncan, Lady
that Duncan will spend the Macbeth not only renounces her
At a camp near the battlefield, Deeply ironic that just as Duncan
night, then exits. Lady womanhood, she literally asks to
Malcolm tells Duncan that the comments about how you can't
Macbeth says Duncan's visit be turned into an unnatural
old Thane of Cawdor trust people's outward shows,
will be fatal, and calls on spirits fiend!
confessed and repented Macbeth enters. Duncan's great
to "unsex me here… and take
before being executed. strength as a king is his trust in 1 2 3 4 5
my milk for gall" (1.5.39-46).
Duncan notes that you can't his people and his thanes, but it
always trust a man by his also makes him vulnerable to Macbeth enters, and says Macbeth is still struggling against
outward show. Macbeth, treachery. Duncan will spend the night his ambition. Lady Macbeth's
Banquo, Ross, and Angus and leave the next day. Lady advice on how to hide one's true
enter. Duncan says that even 4 Macbeth says Duncan will intentions involves exploiting
the gift of Cawdor is not as never see that day. She nature. (Note: in the Garden of
much as Macbeth deserves. counsels Macbeth to look like Eden, the devil hid himself in the
Macbeth responds: "The an "innocent flower," but be form of a snake.)
service and loyalty I owe, in the viper hiding beneath it
doing it, pays itself" (1.4.22). (1.5.63). Macbeth remains 1 3 4
unconvinced. Lady Macbeth
Duncan is pleased. He says: "I Duncan thinks of his role as King
tells him to leave the plan to
have begun to plant thee, and in terms of what he can give. He's
her.
will labour to make thee full of like a gardener in nature; putting
growing" (1.4.28-29). Next, he his country above his own ACT 1, SCENE 6
announces that Malcolm will desires...
Duncan, Malcolm, Donalbain, Ironic that Duncan thinks the
be heir to the Scottish throne
4 Banquo, Lennox, Macduff, castle where he'll be murdered is
(the kingship was not
Ross, and Angus arrive at beautiful. Also shows what
hereditary in Scotland at that
Inverness. Duncan comments beauty Macbeth loses when he
time). Duncan then adjourns
on the sweetness of the air. gives in to his ambition.
the meeting and decides to
Banquo notes that martlets, a
spend the night at Inverness, 4
species of bird that usually
Macbeth's castle.
nests in churches, have nested
Macbeth goes ahead to ...Macbeth, in contrast, thinks in in the castle.
prepare for the King's visit, but terms of what he can take. This
Lady Macbeth warmly greets At this point, the planned murder
notes that Malcolm now makes his relationship with
the King and the thanes, weighs more on Macbeth than
stands between him and the nature adversarial.
though Macbeth is nowhere to on Lady Macbeth.
throne. He begs the stars to
1 2 4 be seen.
"hide your fires, let not light 5
see my black and deep desires"
(1.4.51). ACT 1, SCENE 7
ACT 1, SCENE 5 Macbeth, alone, agonizes Macbeth wrestles with his
about whether to kill Duncan. ambition and wins! He knows
At Inverness, Lady Macbeth Lady Macbeth is established as He'd be willing to murder that murdering Duncan will only
reads a letter in which power-hungry. She sees honor as Duncan if he thought that end up leading to more
Macbeth tells her of the a weakness, and knows how to would be the end of it. But he bloodshed, and ruin his honor,
witches' prophecy. Lady push her husband's buttons: knows that "bloody which he prizes.
Macbeth worries Macbeth is question his courage. instructions, being taught,
too kind and honorable to return to plague the inventor" 1 3 5
fulfill his ambition and the 1 2 3 5
(1.7.10). Also, Macbeth notes,
prophecy. She decides to Duncan is a guest, kinsmen,
question his manhood to make and good king. He decides
him act. ambition is not enough to
justify the murder.

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 The best way to study, teach, and learn about books.
Lady Macbeth enters, asking Lady Macbeth and Macbeth Banquo says he'll be receptive Banquo believes true manhood
where he's been. Macbeth debate about manhood and to what Macbeth has to say means acting honorably—just
tells her they won't murder courage. She says it's taking what provided he loses no honor in what Macbeth used to believe.
Duncan. She questions his you want. He says it's the power seeking to gain more. Banquo
manhood. Macbeth replies: "I to put responsibility before and Fleance head off to bed. 1 5
dare do all that may become a selfishness, the power to not take
Alone, Macbeth sees a bloody As Macbeth gets closer to the
man; who dares do more is what you want.
dagger floating in the air. He murder, nature starts to go
none" (1.7.46-47). But Lady
1 3 5 can't grasp it, and can't decide haywire.
Macbeth continues: she says
whether it's a phantom or his
she has nursed his baby, but if 1 2 3 4
imagination. "Nature seems
she'd known her husband was
dead" to him (2.1.50).
such a coward she'd have
rather "dashed [the baby's] Offstage, Lady Macbeth rings Interesting that in Macbeth,
brains out" (1.7.56). the bell to signal that Duncan's most of the violence happens
attendants are asleep. offstage.
Macbeth asks what will Lady Macbeth's tragedy is that
Macbeth goes to murder
happen if they fail. Lady she doesn't realize that 1 2 3
Duncan.
Macbeth assures him they murdering Duncan will torment
won't fail if they have courage. and ultimately destroy her. ACT 2, SCENE 2
She outlines the plan: she'll Macbeth's tragedy is more
Lady Macbeth waits in Lady Macbeth isn't completely
give Duncan's bedroom profound: he does realize it, and
agitation for Macbeth to do cold-blooded, foreshadowing her
attendants enough wine to still gives in to his ambition.
the deed. She comments that future feelings of guilt.
ensure they black out from
1 2 3 had the sleeping Duncan not
drunkenness. Then she and 3
looked like her father she'd
Macbeth will commit the
have killed him herself.
murder and frame the
attendants. Macbeth, Macbeth enters. He's killed Bloodstained hands and
impressed by her courage, Duncan and Duncan's sleeplessness: symbols of guilt.
agrees. attendants. His hands are Macbeth is anguished: he knows
bloodstained and he's upset the consequences of this murder.
ACT 2, SCENE 1 that when one of the
It is after midnight in Banquo is also struggling against attendants said "God bless us" 1 2 3 4
Inverness. Banquo talks with ambition. Earlier Macbeth in his sleep, he was unable to
his son Fleance and notices begged the stars to hide (1.4.51). say "Amen." He also thought he
the stars aren't shining. He They have. heard a voice say "Macbeth
prays for angels to "restrain in does murder sleep" (2.2.34).
me the cursed thoughts that 1 2 4
Lady Macbeth soothes him Compare Macbeth's nervousness
nature gives way to in repose" to Lady Macbeth's calm,
and tells him to wash his
(2.1.7-8). collected behavior.
hands, but notices he's still
Macbeth enters. Banquo tells Banquo is open about the carrying the daggers he used
Macbeth his sleep has been troubling "dreams" the witches to kill Duncan. Macbeth 1 3
troubled by dreams of the have inspired in him. Macbeth, refuses to return to the scene
weird sisters. Macbeth claims who has decided to act on his of the crime. Lady Macbeth,
never to think about them. But own slefish ambition, is not. furious, runs off to plant the
he suggests they talk about the daggers on the attendants.
witches soon, and adds that if 4
A knock sounds, terrifying The knock at the door paralells
Banquo supports him when
Macbeth. He worries that not the "knocking" of Macbeth's
the time comes he'll reward
all the water in the world could heart in scene 1.3.
and honor Banquo for it.
wash the blood from his hands.
3 4

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 The best way to study, teach, and learn about books.
Lady Macbeth returns, her Lady Macbeth is calm. She Macduff cries out in horror Everyone is being "natural" and
hands now as bloody as identifies the "mysterious" and runs onstage. Macbeth honest in their grief except
Macbeth's. But she's calm, and knocking as someone at the and Lennox ask what Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
identifies the 'mysterious' South entrance. But she is naïve, happened, then run to They are the snakes hiding
knocking as someone at the thinking water can wash away Duncan's chamber. Banquo, behind the "innocent flower."
south entrance. She says: "a her guilt. Malcolm, and Donalbain wake. Everything they do now must
little water clears us of this Lady Macbeth enters, protect their secret. This secrecy
deed" (2.2.65), and tells 3 pretending not to know what becomes their defining trait,
Macbeth to go and put his happened, and expressing warping them.
nightgown on so no one will horror when Macduff tells her
suspect them. of the murder. Macbeth 1 2 3
Macbeth shows remorse. returns, and wishes he had
Macbeth wishes that the
died rather than have to see
knocking could wake Duncan.
3 5 such a thing. Malcolm and
Donalbain enter and ask
ACT 2, SCENE 3 what's happened. Lennox tells
A porter goes to the answer The Porter provides a moment of them that Duncan was
the door, joking to himself that ironic comedy. He imagines he's murdered by his drunken
he is the doorkeeper at the guarding hell, but with the attendants.
mouth of hell, and mocking murder of Duncan he really is Macbeth wishes aloud that he Macbeth killed the attendants to
whoever might be knocking to guarding a hellish place. hadn't killed the attendants. keep them quiet. Does Macduff
get into hell. At the door are When Macduff asks why suspect already? Lady Macbeth
Macduff and Lennox. Macduff 1 2
Macbeth did kill the faints to head off further
good-naturedly asks what took attendants, Macbeth says he questioning.
so long. The porter blames was so furious that they had
drunkenness, and makes a murdered the Duncan that he 1 2 3
series of jokes about alcohol couldn't control himself. Lady
and its effects on men. Macbeth faints.
Macbeth enters, pretending to Introduction of Macduff, and The thanes agree to meet in Malcolm and Donalbain realize
have just woken up. Macduff contrast between Macbeth's the hall to discuss what's any one of the thanes could be
asks if the King has woken yet: lying and treachery with happened. Malcolm and faking his grief. The unnatural
Duncan had asked to see Macduff's openness and loyalty. Donalbain, though, remain hides itself by looking natural.
Macduff early that morning. behind. They realize that one
Macbeth points out where 4 4
of the thanes is probably the
Duncan is sleeping, and murderer and fear that they'll
Macduff goes off to wake him. be the next targets. They
As they wait for Macduff to The unnatural act of killing decide to flee: Malcolm to
return, Lennox describes the Duncan has caused havoc in England and Donalbain to
terrible storm that raged the nature. Ireland.
previous night and sounded
ACT 2, SCENE 4
like "strange screams of death" 1 4
(2.3.52). Ross and an old man stand Further havoc in nature caused
near Macbeth's castle. They by the murder of Duncan and
discuss the unnatural portents destruction of the natural order.
just before and after Duncan's
murder: darkness during the 4
day, owls killing hawks, horses
eating one another.

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 The best way to study, teach, and learn about books.
Macduff enters. He says it Macbeth's plot worked! If he ACT 3, SCENE 2
seems Duncan's attendants could be a good and virtuous
After sending a servant to First indication that all is not well
did commit the murder, and King, perhaps it will all turn out
fetch Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, with Lady Macbeth.
that because Malcolm and well…
waits, and muses that she has
Donalbain fled they likely 1 3
1 2 what she desires but isn't
were behind the plot.
happy.
Macduff then says Macbeth …but does Macduff suspect him
Macbeth enters. She asks why In order to keep power built by
has been made king, and that already? It isn't clear. But the
he spends so much time alone. violence, more violence is always
he has already gone to Scone paranoid Macbeth must think he
Macbeth responds: "We have needed. Macbeth knew this
for the coronation. Ross heads does: violence creates fear which
scorched the snake, not killed would happen; he's caught in the
to the coronation. But Macduff leads to violence.
it" (3.2.15). He fears someone vicious cycle of violence...
returns to his own castle at
1 2 3 might try to kill him as he killed
Fife. 1 2 3
Duncan, and seems envious of
ACT 3, SCENE 1 Duncan's "sleep" (3.2.25).
In the royal palace of Forres, Banquo suspects Macbeth, but it Lady Macbeth reminds him to ...and that vicious cycle begins to
Banquo states his suspicion is his own ambition—the be "bright and jovial" at the take a psychological toll on
that Macbeth fulfilled the possibility that the prophecy feast. Macbeth tells her to act Macbeth.
witches' prophecy by foul play. might be true for him too—that the same. But then Macbeth
But he notes that since the occupies his mind. moans, "O, full of scorpions is 1 2 3
prophecy came true for my mind, dear wife!" (3.2.37)
Macbeth, perhaps it will come 1 2 because Banquo and Fleance
true for him as well. are still alive.
Macbeth enters, with other Macbeth wants to kill Banquo Macbeth says that before the Macbeth tries to protect Lady
thanes and Lady Macbeth. He because he resents Banquo's night is through there shall be Macbeth: traditional male-
asks Banquo to attend a feast honor and because the prophecy a "deed of dreadful note" female roles.
that evening. Banquo says he makes Banquo a threat. Also, (3.2.45), but adds that she's
will, but that meanwhile he has Macbeth's guilt at murdering better off being innocent until 4 5
to ride somewhere on Duncan makes him want that she can applaud what has
business. Macbeth asks if murder to be "worthwhile." happened.
Fleance will be riding with him. Macbeth's guilt about one crime
Banquo says yes, then departs. pushes him to commit another. ACT 3, SCENE 3
Once he's alone, Macbeth The two murderers lie in wait The Third Murderer is an
sends a servant to summon 1 2 3 a mile from the royal castle. A unsolved mystery. No critics
two men. As he waits for them third murderer joins them, know who he is or why he's there.
to arrive, he muses if the sent by Macbeth.
witches prophecy is true, then 3
Banquo's descendants will be Banquo and Fleance enter. Macbeth's effort to control fate
king, and he'll have murdered The murderers attack. Banquo seals his doom. Fleance lives and
Duncan for nothing. is killed, but Fleance escapes. Banquo's death makes the
The two men (identified in the Macbeth uses the same methods The murderers return to the Thanes suspicious.
stage directions as to get the murderers to kill castle to tell Macbeth what's
happened. 2 3
"murderers") enter. Macbeth Banquo and Fleance that Lady
tells them it's Banquo's fault Macbeth used against Macbeth:
they're poor, then questions he questions their manhood.
their manhood for bearing
such offenses. The murderers 3 5
agree to kill Banquo and
Fleance.

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 The best way to study, teach, and learn about books.
ACT 3, SCENE 4 Macbeth tells Lady Macbeth: Macbeth's desperation to keep
"Blood will have blood" power motivates him to visit the
Macbeth bids all the lords Macbeth learns that his first
(3.4.121), and asks what Lady weird sisters. He has sacrificed
welcome to the feast. Just at attempt to control fate has
Macbeth makes of the fact that everything for his ambition…
that moment, he notices that failed.
Macduff does not appear at
one of the murderers is 1 2 3
1 2 3 the royal court. He decides to
standing at the door. The
visit the weird sisters to find
murderer tells Macbeth that
out more about his fate.
Banquo is dead but Fleance
escaped. Macbeth comforts He says: "I am in blood / … now ambition and violence are
himself that Fleance will not be Stepped in so far" (3.4.135) all he has left, and he knows it.
a threat for quite some time. that turning back is as difficult
as continuing on. 1 3
Lady Macbeth calls to Is Banquo's ghost real or a
Macbeth and asks him to figment of Macbeth's guilty ACT 3, SCENE 5
return to the feast and sit. But mind? The uncertainty
The weird sisters meet with Many productions of Macbeth
Macbeth doesn't see an empty emphasizes that Macbeth's fate
Hecate, the goddess of cut this scene. It introduces
seat at the table. When Lennox is part of him, caused by his
witches. She rebukes the Hecate, and establishes that the
gestures at a seat, saying it's character: his ambition and guilt.
sisters for meddling with witches truly are out to get
empty, Macbeth sees Banquo's Macbeth. Many productions of
2 3 4 Macbeth without first
ghost sitting there. Macbeth the play prefer to keep the
consulting her. But she says
alone can see the ghost. He witches' motivations more vague.
she'll help them when Macbeth
astonishes the thanes by
comes to see them tomorrow.
shouting at the empty chair. 2 4
She says that they'll show him
Lady Macbeth tells the thanes Macbeth and Lady Macbeth visions that will give him
not to worry, that since continue to try to lie to keep their confidence and "draw him to
childhood Macbeth has secrets and hold on power, but his confusion" (3.5.29).
suffered fits. She pulls these lies become less and less
Macbeth aside and once again effective as guilt about the ACT 3, SCENE 6
questions his manhood. The violence they have committed Lennox and another lord talk Macbeth's murder of Banquo,
ghost disappears. Macbeth begins to effect them. sarcastically about Macbeth committed to control his fate,
rambles about murders and and the too great similarities has had the opposite effects.
spirits risen from the grave 2 3 4 5 between the murders of Now the thanes see Macbeth for
until Lady Macbeth reminds Duncan and Banquo, with what he is: a tyrant.
him of his guests. He echoes Donalbain and Malcolm
her story about his fits, then accused of the first and 1 2 3
leads a toast to the missing Fleance blamed for the
Banquo. second.
The ghost reappears and Macbeth has become so warped Macduff, the lord says, has Compare Macduff and Macbeth:
Macbeth, terrified, starts he cannot tell the unnatural from gone to England to meet with Macbeth will do anything for
shouting at it. Lady Macbeth the natural anymore. Lady Malcolm and try to get the personal power; Macduff will do
tries to play down her Macbeth sees lying is useless and English King Edward and his anything to save his country.
husband's strange behavior. chooses isolation: she tells the lords to gather an army to help
The ghost again disappears. thanes to leave. them defeat Macbeth. The 1 3
Macbeth is amazed that rumor is that Macbeth sent a
everyone could be so calm in 4 messenger to Macduff.
the face of such sights. When Macduff rebuffed the
Ross asks what sights, Lady messenger, who turned his
Macbeth steps in and asks the back as if to say that Macduff
guests to leave at once. The would pay for that decision.
thanes exit.

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 The best way to study, teach, and learn about books.
Both men hope Macduff Ambition has made Macbeth a Lennox enters. He brings word Ambition and fear have pushed
remains safe and soon returns violent tyrant who holds the that Macduff has fled to Macbeth that final step: he is no
with the armies of Malcolm throne only through fear. England. In an aside, Macbeth longer targeting just his political
and England to free Scotland scolds himself for failing to kill enemies, but also their innocent
from Macbeth. 1 3 Macduff when he wanted to families. Macbeth is now truly a
earlier. He vows in the future monster.
ACT 4, SCENE 1 to act on every impulse, and
In a cavern, the weird sisters There is a resemblance between decides to attack Macduff's 1 2 3
throw awful ingredients such Macbeth and the witches now. castle and kill anyone
as "eye of newt and toe of frog" All are wicked, all are unnatural. connected to him: servants,
(4.1.14) into a cauldron full of a wife, and children.
boiling brew. Hecate arrives, 1 3 4
and all dance and sing. One ACT 4, SCENE 2
witch cries out "Something At Fife (Macduff's castle), Another debate about manhood.
wicked this way comes" Lady Macduff is angry. She Does a real man sacrifice the
(4.1.62): Macbeth enters. He demands to know why safety of his family for the good
commands the witches to Macduff has gone to England, of his country?
answer his questions. leaving her behind. She thinks
Macduff is a coward. Ross says 5
The witches conjure up three The head symbolizes either
Macduff's flight could results
apparitions. First, a floating Macduff's rebellion or Macbeth's
from wisdom, not fear.
head appears and tells fate.
Macbeth to beware Macduff. After Ross leaves, Lady Macduff's son is wise beyond his
1 2 3 4 Macduff turns to her son. She years, noting that those who put
Next, a bloody child appears. The bloody child symbolizes tells the boy that his father is themselves above society far
The child says that "no man of Macduff's birth by caesarian dead. The boy doesn't believe outnumber those who put the
woman born / Shall harm section. her, but asks if his father is a common good above their own
Macbeth" (4.1.95-96). traitor. Lady Macduff says yes, selfish ambitions.
1 2 3 4 Macduff is a traitor: a man who
swore an oath and broke it and 1 3
Finally, a child wearing a crown The child with crown and tree
now must hang. The boy thinks
and holding a tree appears. It symbolizes Malcolm.
if traitors allow themselves to
says that Macbeth will not be
1 2 3 4 be hanged they must be fools,
defeated until Great Birnam
since there are undoubtedly
Wood marches to Dunsinane
more traitors than honest men
Hill. Macbeth is pleased: since
in the world.
forests don't march, he must
be invincible! A servant bursts in to warn of Macbeth has ordered the murder
coming danger, then rushes of the innocent. His loss of
Macbeth wants to know one The king holding the mirror
out. Before Lady Macduff or humanity is complete, and the
more thing: will Banquo's heirs symbolizes King James who
her children can run, seeds of his self-destruction are
have the throne? The witches ruled England when Shakespeare
murderers enter the chamber, sown.
perform a final conjuring. Eight wrote Macbeth, and whose
stab Macduff's son, and chase
kings appear walking in a line, family traced its ancestry back to 1 2 3
Lady Macduff offstage.
the eighth holding a mirror, Banquo.
and all of them followed by
Banquo's ghost. Macbeth, 1 2 3 4
furious at this sign that
Banquo's heirs will get the
throne, demands answers. But
Hecate mocks him and the
witches vanish.

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 The best way to study, teach, and learn about books.
ACT 4, SCENE 3 Ross enters. He tells Malcolm True manhood, Macduff realizes
that if he invaded the Scottish in his moment of anguish,
In England, near the palace of Why does Macduff leave his
people would line up to join his involves not just strength, honor,
King Edward, Macduff urges family behind when he goes to
army against Macbeth. Finally, and loyalty, but also emotion,
Malcolm to quickly raise an England? Does he underestimate
Ross tells Macduff his family feeling, and love.
army against Macbeth. But Macbeth's depravity, or has he
has been murdered. Macduff
Malcolm says Macduff might put too much emphasis on 5
cries out in anguish. Malcolm
actually be working for country at the expense of family?
tells him to fight it like a man.
Macbeth, a suspicion
5 Macduff responds that he
heightened by the fact that
must also "feel it like a man"
Macduff left his family behind
(4.3.223). But they agree that
and unprotected in Scotland.
Macduff's anger and grief
Malcolm then adds that he Macduff proves that his morality should be used to fuel his
delays attacking Macbeth and love of country is greater revenge.
because he fears that he than his ambition.
himself would perhaps be even ACT 5, SCENE 1
a worse ruler. Malcolm 1 5 It is night in Macbeth's castle When he killed Duncan,
describes himself as so lustful, of Dunsinane. A doctor and a Macbeth thought he heard a
vicious, and greedy that he gentlewoman wait. The voice say he had murdered sleep.
makes Macbeth look kind. gentlewoman called the doctor Well, he did: Lady Macbeth's
Macduff cries out in horror, because she has seen Lady sleep.
and says he will leave Scotland Macbeth sleepwalking the last
forever since there is no man few nights, but she refuses to 3 4
fit to rule it. Malcolm then say what Lady Macbeth says or
reveals that none of his self- does.
description was true: it was a
Lady Macbeth enters, holding Lady Macbeth, who once naively
trick to test Macduff's loyalty.
a candle, but asleep. Lady thought she could just wash her
Malcolm now believes that
Macbeth keeps rubbing her hands and forget Duncan's
Macduff is loyal to Scotland
hands as if to wash them while murder, is now sleepwalking and
and not Macbeth, and that he
saying "out, damned spot" so full of guilt that she imagines
has an army of ten thousand
(5.1.30). Then Lady Macbeth her hands are always covered in
men commanded by the
seems to relive her attempt to blood.
English Lord Siward, ready to
convince Macbeth to kill
invade Scotland. 3 4
Duncan, concluding with the
Just then an English doctor In contrast to Macbeth, Edward words: "Yet who would have
enters. Malcolm speaks with is so virtuous his touch restores thought the old man to have
the doctor, then tells Macduff order to nature: it heals. had so much blood in him"
that King Edward of England is (5.1.33-34)?
so saintly that he can cure 1 4
disease.

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 The best way to study, teach, and learn about books.
The horrified doctor and Lady Macbeth's guilt makes it ACT 5, SCENE 4
gentlewoman watch as Lady impossible for her to hide the
In Birnam Wood, Malcolm The first block in Macbeth's fate
Macbeth then relives horrors that she and Macbeth
walks with Macduff, Siward, falls into place: Birnam Wood will
conversations with Macbeth have committed. Her conscience
Young Siward, and others march on Dunsinane.
after the murder of Banquo is rebelling against the unnatural
fiend that ambition has turned Scottish and English lords.
and hears an imaginary 2
her into. Malcolm gives orders that to
knocking and rushes off to bed.
hide the size of their army, all
The doctor says the disease is
1 2 3 soldiers should cut a branch
beyond his power to cure, and
from a tree and hold it upright
that "unnatural deeds do
as they march.
breed unnatural troubles"
(5.1.61-62). He also says he ACT 5, SCENE 5
dares not speak about what
Macbeth laughs at the coming Macbeth has become so numb
he's just witnessed.
army, but seems bored by his because of his own terrible
ACT 5, SCENE 2 lack of fear. Suddenly, a woman actions that he can't even react
cries out. Seyton investigates, when his wife dies. All he can do
Lennox and other Scottish With the mention of Birnam
and returns with news that is comment on how meaningless
lords and soldiers discuss the Wood and Dunsinane, the
Lady Macbeth has died. life is.
situation: Malcolm and his audience can see that Macbeth's
Macbeth gives a speech about
army are at Birnam Wood. fate is approaching. 1 2 3
life: "Tomorrow, and
Macbeth, in a constant rage
2 tomorrow, and tomorrow /
verging on madness, is
Creeps in this petty pace from
fortifying the stronghold of
day to day," concluding that life
Dunsinane.
"is a tale / told by an idiot, full
The lords agree that Macbeth Macbeth's efforts to maintain of sound and fury, / signifying
is tormented by his terrible power through violence have, in nothing" (5.5.18-27).
actions, and that those who fact, turned people against him
A servant rushes in with news The prophecy gives Macbeth
follow him do so out of fear, and made him weak.
that Birnam Wood is marching courage, but also makes his life
not love. The lords ride to join
1 3 toward Dunsinane. Macbeth empty. He almost seems to look
Malcolm.
rushes to see for himself, and forward to dying.
ACT 5, SCENE 3 realizes the witches tricked
him. He feels fear for the first 1 2 3
Macbeth dismisses all reports Macbeth is fearless because of
time, calls to raise the alarm,
about Malcolm's army, saying the prophecies, but he seems to
and says that at least he'll die
he'll fear nothing until Birnam wish he weren't. He knows his life
fighting.
Wood marches to Dunsinane is awful, but he's so gripped by
and mocking Malcolm as a man ambition that he can't turn back. ACT 5, SCENE 6
born of woman. He shouts for
1 2 3 Malcolm orders his men to The very quick and sudden
his servant Seyton to bring his
throw down the branches they scenes in the second half of Act 5
armor, then muses how sick at
carry. The first charge against capture the chaos of battle.
heart he feels, how withered
Dunsinane commences under
his life has become. 3
Siward and Macduff.
He asks the doctor about Lady Macbeth seems totally out of
Macbeth, then commands that touch with reality. He is a man ACT 5, SCENE 7
the man cure her. In an aside, warped beyond any semblance In the fighting, Macbeth A reminder of the second half of
the doctor says that if he could of humanity. encounters and fights Young the prophecy protecting
escape Dunsinane, no fee of Siward. Though Young Siward Macbeth.
any size could bring him back. 1 2 3 is brave, Macbeth quickly kills
him and says in a mocking tone 2 3
that he fears no man of woman
born.

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ACT 5, SCENE 8 ACT 5, SCENE 11
Macduff searches for Emphasis on Macduff's need for Malcolm, Siward, Ross, and Siward is an ambiguous part of
Macbeth, vowing to kill him to revenge against Macbeth. The others enter. Ross tells Siward an otherwise happy ending.
avenge his family. play is building suspense. of Young Siward's death. Siward prizes strength and
Siward asks if his son died courage above all things, even
2 3 from wounds on the front or love for his family. Might he one
back. Ross replies the front. day become another Macbeth?
ACT 5, SCENE 9
Siward is content, denying
Malcolm and Siward meet. Macbeth's men don't even fight Malcolm's comment that his 1 3 5
They have easily captured the for him. His rule is utterly hollow. son is worth more mourning
castle because Macbeth's men than that.
barely fight back. 1 2 3
Macduff enters, carrying Macduff shows his loyalty to
ACT 5, SCENE 10 Macbeth's severed head. He King and country.
Macbeth and Macduff meet. It's unclear if Macbeth is being proclaims Malcolm to be King
of Scotland and swears his 4
Macbeth says he has avoided honest or if he's baiting Macduff.
fighting Macduff because he loyalty.
has too much blood on his 3 Malcolm accepts the thanes' Malcolm returns Scotland to
hands already. loyalty and makes them all political order, as his use of
They fight. Macbeth mocks The second block of Macbeth's earls (a higher rank). He nature metaphors shows.
Macduff, saying his effort is fate slides into place. pledges to "plant" a new peace, Malcolm wants to make his
wasted: no one of woman born and to heal the wounds country great, not himself.
can beat Macbeth. But 2 Macbeth and his "fiend-like
queen" (5.11.35) inflicted on 4
Macduff replies that he was
"untimely ripped" from his Scotland.
mother's womb" (5.10.16).
Macbeth, suddenly fearful Macbeth dies as he lived—a slave HOW T
TO
O CITE
now that the prophecy has to ambition. Lady Macbeth
convinced him to sacrifice his
It's easy to cite LitCharts for use in academic papers
turned against him, refuses to
fight him. But Macduff calls honor by questioning his and reports.
Macbeth a coward and says courage, now Macduff gets
that Macbeth will be mocked Macbeth to fight for a lost cause MLA CIT
CITA
ATION
across Scotland if he to prove his courage.
Ben Florman and Justin Kestler, LitCharts Editors.
surrenders. Despite certain
death, Macbeth attacks. 1 3 5 "LitChart on Macbeth." LitCharts.com. 11 Mar 2016.
Macduff kills him.
CHICA
CHICAGO
GO MANU
MANUAL
AL CIT
CITA
ATION
Ben Florman and Justin Kestler, LitCharts Editors.
"LitChart on Macbeth." LitCharts.com. 2016.
http://www.litcharts.com/lit/macbeth.

AP
APA
A CIT
CITA
ATION
Ben Florman and Justin Kestler, LitCharts Editors
2016. LitChart on Macbeth. Retrieved March 11, 2016
from http://www.litcharts.com/lit/macbeth.

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