ACT 3-

The Consolidation of Macbeth’s Power and the Consequences

SCENE 1
Banquo grows increasingly suspicious of Macbeth, suspecting that he has played foully to
achieve the crown. Macbeth, now king, invites Banquo to a royal banquet but is unnerved by
Banquo’s presence and the witches’ prophecy that Banquo’s descendants will inherit the throne.
To secure his power, Macbeth hires two murderers to kill Banquo and his son, Fleance. This
scene emphasizes Macbeth's descent into paranoia and moral corruption.

SCENE 2
Lady Macbeth begins to experience the toll of their crimes, revealing her growing unease.
Macbeth, however, has become increasingly ruthless and does not share his plans with her. He
alludes to a "terrible deed" but remains cryptic. This scene marks the growing emotional and
psychological distance between the couple.

SCENE 3
Banquo is ambushed by the murderers on his way to the banquet. He is killed, but Fleance
escapes, leaving Macbeth's fears unresolved. This scene reinforces the inevitability of the
witches’ prophecy and Banquo's symbolic role as a threat to Macbeth's reign.

SCENE 4
At the banquet, Macbeth is haunted by Banquo's ghost, which only he can see. His erratic
behavior alarms his guests, including Lady Macbeth, who tries to cover for him. The ghost
represents Macbeth's guilt and fear, highlighting his unraveling psyche.

SCENE 5
Hecate, the goddess of witchcraft, chastises the witches for meddling with Macbeth without her
involvement. She decides to lead Macbeth further down the path of destruction, showcasing the
theme of fate versus free will.

SCENE 6
Lennox and another lord discuss the state of Scotland under Macbeth’s rule, hinting at growing
discontent and suspicions about his involvement in Duncan and Banquo's murders. They
mention that Macduff has gone to England to seek help from Malcolm, setting the stage for
rebellion.

ACT 4-
The Witches’ Deceptions and Macbeth’s Tyranny

SCENE 1
Macbeth visits the witches, demanding answers about his future. They present him with three
apparitions: a disembodied head warning him about Macduff, a bloody child reassuring him that
no man born of a woman will harm him, and a crowned child holding a tree, suggesting that he
will remain safe until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane Hill. Finally, they show him a line of
kings descended from Banquo, confirming his worst fears. This pivotal scene illustrates the
themes of ambition and the deceptive nature of the supernatural.

SCENE 2
Lady Macduff laments her husband's absence and feels betrayed. Her son, wise beyond his
years, defends Macduff. However, murderers sent by Macbeth arrive, killing them both. This
brutal scene underscores Macbeth's descent into outright tyranny and the personal cost of his
ambition.

SCENE 3
In England, Macduff meets Malcolm and tries to persuade him to reclaim the throne. Malcolm
initially tests Macduff’s loyalty by pretending to be unworthy of kingship. After being convinced of
Macduff’s sincerity, they unite against Macbeth. Ross arrives with news of the massacre of
Macduff’s family, spurring Macduff to seek revenge. This scene builds emotional intensity and
sets up the climactic confrontation.

ACT 5-
The Downfall of Macbeth

SCENE 1
Lady Macbeth, consumed by guilt, begins sleepwalking and obsessively tries to wash imaginary
blood from her hands. Her fragmented speech reveals her psychological torment and the
consequences of unchecked ambition. The doctor and gentlewoman observe her but can offer
no remedy.

SCENE 2
Scottish forces, led by Malcolm and supported by English troops, march toward Dunsinane. The
rebellion gathers momentum as Macbeth’s tyrannical rule alienates even his allies.

SCENE 3
Macbeth, overconfident because of the witches' prophecies, prepares for battle. Despite his
bravado, he begins to sense his isolation. His dismissal of Lady Macbeth’s illness reflects his
growing detachment and emotional desolation.

SCENE 4
Malcolm orders his troops to cut branches from Birnam Wood to disguise their numbers, fulfilling
part of the witches’ prophecy. This scene underscores the theme of fate and the inevitability of
Macbeth's downfall.

SCENE 5
Macbeth learns of Lady Macbeth’s death, delivering his famous soliloquy about the futility of life
(“Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow…”). A messenger informs him that Birnam Wood
appears to be moving, shaking his confidence.
SCENE 6
The rebel forces reach Dunsinane and prepare for the final assault. This brief scene sets the
stage for the climactic battle.

SCENE 7
Macbeth fights valiantly, still clinging to the witches’ assurance that no man born of a woman
can harm him. He kills young Siward, showcasing his lingering strength and desperation.

SCENE 8
Macduff confronts Macbeth, revealing that he was born via a Caesarean section and is therefore
not "of woman born." Realizing the witches have deceived him, Macbeth fights to the death and
is killed.

SCENE 9
Malcolm is declared king, restoring order to Scotland. The play ends with a sense of justice and
the hope for a better future under Malcolm's rule.