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Macbeth
Synopsis and plot overview of Shakespeare's Macbeth
Macbeth Summary
Three witches tell the Scottish general Macbeth that he will be King of Scotland.
Encouraged by his wife, Macbeth kills the king, becomes the new king, and kills
more people out of paranoia. Civil war erupts to overthrow Macbeth, resulting in
more death.
Act I
On a bleak Scottish moorland, Macbeth and Banquo, two of King Duncan's
generals, discover three strange women (witches). The witches prophesy that
Macbeth will be promoted twice: to Thane of Cawdor (a rank of the aristocracy
bestowed by grateful kings) and King of Scotland. Banquo's descendants will be
kings, but Banquo isn't promised any kingdom himself. The generals want to hear
more, but the "weird sisters" disappear.
Soon afterwards, King Duncan names Macbeth Thane of Cawdor as a reward for
his success in the recent battles. The promotion seems to support the prophecy.
The King then proposes to make a brief visit that night to Macbeth's castle at
Inverness. Lady Macbeth receives news from her husband about the prophecy
and his new title. She vows to help him become king by whatever means are
necessary (*ominous music*).
Is this a dagger which I see before me?
— MACBETH, ACT 2 SCENE 1
Macbeth with Henry Irving Programme, 1889
Act II
Macbeth returns to his castle, followed almost immediately by King Duncan. The
Macbeths plot together to kill Duncan and wait until everyone is asleep. At the
appointed time, Lady Macbeth gives the guards drugged wine so Macbeth can
enter and kill the King. He regrets this almost immediately, but his wife reassures
him. She leaves the bloody daggers by the dead king just before Macduff, a
nobleman, arrives. When Macduff discovers the murder, Macbeth kills the
drunken guards in a show of rage and retribution. Duncan's sons, Malcolm and
Donalbain, flee, fearing for their own lives; but they are, nevertheless, blamed for
the murder.
Act III
Macbeth becomes King of Scotland but is plagued by feelings of insecurity. He
remembers the prophecy that Banquo's descendants will inherit the throne and
arranges for Banquo and his son Fleance to be killed. In the darkness, Banquo is
murdered, but his son escapes the assassins. At his state banquet that night,
Macbeth sees the ghost of Banquo and worries the courtiers with his mad
response. Lady Macbeth dismisses the court and unsuccessfully tries to calm her
husband.
Act IV
Macbeth seeks out the witches who say that he will be safe until a local wood,
Birnam Wood, marches into battle against him. He also need not fear anyone
born of woman (that sounds secure, no loop-holes here). They also prophesy
that the Scottish succession will still come from Banquo's son. Macbeth embarks
on a reign of terror, slaughtering many, including Macduff's family. Macduff had
gone to seek Malcolm (one of Duncan's sons who fled) at the court of the English
king. Malcolm is young and unsure of himself, but Macduff, pained with grief,
persuades him to lead an army against Macbeth.
By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way
comes
— MACBETH, ACT 4 SCENE 1
Royal Shakespeare
Company, 1967
Act V
Macbeth feels safe in his remote castle at Dunsinane until he is told that Birnam
Wood is moving towards him. Malcolm's army is carrying branches from the
forest as camouflage for their assault on Macbeth's stronghold. Meanwhile, an
overwrought and conscience-ridden Lady Macbeth walks in her sleep and tells
her secrets to her doctor. She commits suicide. As the final battle commences,
Macbeth hears of Lady Macbeth's suicide and mourns.
Out, damned spot!
— MACBETH, ACT 5 SCENE 1
George Skillan as Macbeth, 1920
In the midst of a losing battle, Macduff challenges Macbeth. Macbeth learns
Macduff is the child of a caesarean birth (loophole!), realises he is doomed, and
submits to his enemy. Macduff triumphs and brings the head of the traitor
Macbeth to Malcolm. Malcolm declares peace and goes to Scone to be crowned
king.
Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow
— MACBETH, ACT 5 SCENE 5
