Summaries
Act I, Scene 1 The witches plan to meet after the battle, which
we find is a rebellion in Scotland. They are summoned by their familiars and end with the
theme of the play.
Act I, Scene 2 The king and his thanes are at a camp and hear
word of the battle from the bleeding sergeant. The sergeant had saved Malcolm earlier. He
says that the battle was doubtful, with the rebel Macdonwald receiving reinforcements and
luck. However, Macbeth man aged to fight well, and killed the slave Macdonwald. A second
attack by the Norweyan lord angered Macbeth and he met their attacks so the Norwegians got
their butts kicked. The sergeant goes to get some medical attention, and then Ross tells
the rest of the story. Norway and the rebel Thane of Cawdor were met by Macbeth and were
defeated. The Norwegian king Sweno was forced to pay ten thousand dollars. Macbeth is
given the rebel Cawdor's title.
Act I, Scene 3 The witches meet again, as planned. One has
been killing pigs. Another witch is getting revenge on the captain of the Tiger, who's
wife has not given her a chestnut. Winds summoned by her will blow in every direction,
making the sailor throw up and nev er sleep, though the ship will never be lost. The witch
has the pilot's thumb. Then Macbeth comes. The witches sing a little song. Macbeth
comments on the good and bad day, then Banquo sees the witches. They look human in some
ways, but don't in others. The witches hail Macbeth as Thane of Glamis, his current title,
as well as Cawdor, which he doesn't know he is to receive, and King, which is a complete
shock. Banquo is suprised that Macbeth isn't ecstatic at the prophecy, and asks the
witches why they have no prophecy for him. The witches make important predictions to
Banquo, as lesser but greater, less happy but happier than Macbeth. They also say his
children will become Kings. Macbeth wants to know more. The witches vanish, and the two
puzzle over the disapperance. Ross and Angus come. Ross tells them the kind heard of his
victory in battle. They tell him the King will honor him in person, but that he has also
received the t itle of Cawdor. Macbeth asks why he is given someone else's title and is
told of the treason. Now Macbeth starts thinking the prophecy might come true. Banquo is
still worried. Macbeth is scared as he considers killing the king to complete the
prophecy. Banquo says he is getting used to his new title. Macbeth comes out of his
thinking and thanks the men. He tells Banquo they will talk later.
Act I, Scene 4 The king asks if Cawdor is executed yet and if
the people who did it are back yet. Malcolm says the aren't back but someone who saw it
said Cawdor confessed and apologized, at peace with himself so that death was not a
problem, and the way he left was be tter than the way he lived. Duncan makes a comment
important to theme, saying he trusted Cawdor, because he was deceptive in the way he
acted. When Macbeth arrives, Duncan thanks him for what he did, saying he can never repay
him. Macbeth says he was just doing his duty. Duncan says Macbeth will grow, and Banquo
will be close to his heart. Banquo also expresses his loyalty, saying the benefit would be
for Duncan. Duncan says he is happy despite troubles, and declares his son Malcolm his
successor, making Malcolm a problem in Macbeth's getting the throne. Duncan decides to go
to Macbeth's castle, and Macbeth goes to tell his wife. Macbeth talks of how he is having
dark thoughts about trying to become king. Duncan comments on how great Banquo is and then
follows him.
Act I, Scene 5 Lady Macbeth is reading a letter from Macbeth,
which tells about the witches prophecy. Lady Macbeth says that her husband is too nice to
get the greatness he is promised. She decides to help him gain the crown. A messenger
tells her the King is coming. Lady Macbeth decides that Duncan will be killed while
staying there. She tries to get rid of all kind thoughts so that she can do the deed. She
tells her husband to appear normal, even while he plans to kill the King.
Act I, Scene 6 Duncan talks about how pleasant the castle is.
Banquo notes how the birds are abundant, marking it for a nice place. Duncan greets Lady
Macbeth, who returns the formality and assures her loyalty. She leads them into the
castle.
Act I, Scene 7 Macbeth contemplates the crime and says he
should do it soon if he does it. If this was all there was to it, and all he had to worry
about was the afterlife, he would do it. But he is also judged here, and murdering may
lead to his own death. He is supposed to be loyal to Duncan as a relative and subject and
host. And Duncan is such a nice, great leader that whoever kills him will be damned.
Everyone will be sad. There is nothing to make him do it except ambition, which is like a
spur but also like a rider who jumps on a horse but falls off the other side. Lady Macbeth
says Duncan almost finished dinner. Macbeth doesn't want to kill someone who has done him
so well. Lady Macbeth asks what happened to his hope that he had so much. She will not
love him if he doesn't do this, what he wants. Macbeth doesn't want to do it, and Lady
Macbeth asks what happened since he was so willing to do it before. She says that if she
had sworn to, she would kill a baby suckling at her breast. Lady Macbeth says they won't
fail because they will get the King's attendants drunk and make it look like they did it.
Macbeth comments on his wife's mannly mettle, and starts to believe his wife. She says it
will look like the servants did it, so Macbeth agrees to do it, while hiding what he did
from his face, a refernce to the theme.
Act II, Scene 1 Banquo and Fleance are walking around and
wondering at the time. Baquo is worried about the dark thoughts in his head. Macbeth comes
up and Banquo asks why he isn't sleeping when Duncan went to bed happy and sent them
gifts. Macbeth responds that he wasn't as good a host because he was unprepared. Banquo
dreamt of the witches and Macbeth says they should talk about that later. Banquo wants to
maintain his loyalty to the king. Macbeth dismisses his servant and then imagines a dagger
before him, but he isn't sure if it is real. He says it encourages to do the deed, showing
him how. In the night, he dreams of Hecate and the witches, of a wolf howling the time for
murder, and compares his stealthy approach to that of Tarquin. In horror, he resolves to
do the deed.
Act II, Scene 2 Lady Macbeth says that the alcohol that made
the attendants drunk has given her courage. Omens of death wish the king good night, and
Macbeth is going to kill him as the drunk attendants are unconscious. When Macbeth shows
up she is afraid they woke up and it didn't work. She would have done it if Duncan didn't
look like her fathe. But he did it, after some trouble. One attendant woke up and said
"Murder" but then they went ack to sleep. Donalbain either said "God bless
us" or "Amen" in response to Duncan saying it. Macbeth is troubled because
he could not say "Amen". Lady Macbeth says not to think that way. Macbeth says
he heard a voice saying he murdered sleep, which is described as such a sweet and pleasant
thing. She tells him not to think of such sickly things and to wash his hands. She then
agrees to put the daggers back, because Macbeth doesn't want to. She says only kids fear
death and sleep. She will get some blood on the attendants to make them look guilty.
Macbeth is troubled by knocking and says that nothing can wash his hands clean, and the
blood will make the seas red. Lady Macbeth feels bad to have red hands but to be innocent
of the crime itself. She tells him to wash his hands and retire and put on his nightgown
so that they will not be suspicious to the watchers. Macbeth wishes he did not know what
he had done.
Act II, Scene 3 The porter hears knocking and says that a
porter at hell would have a busy job. He pretends to be the porter of hell, and imagines
the sort of people who would come, such as a farmer who didn't get the high prices wanted,
a traitor, and a tailor who tried to overprice his garments. Finally he lets Macduff and
Lennox in, and they have a discussion about drinking. The porter tells how drink causes
red noses, sleep, and urine. He also says it causes lechery, though it takes away the
performance. Macbeth comes and greets Lennox and Macduff. Macbeth leads Macduff to the
king. Lennox comments on weird things that happened during the night. Macduff returns,
having discovered the murder. He is in hysterics, telling them of the horror of horrors
and calling for an alarm. He compares the events transpiring to Judgement Day, when the
dead rise up to a trumpet. Lady Macbeth comes and asks what is going on. And Macduff tells
Banquo when he enters. Macbeth reenters commenting on how awful life is with the death of
his king. Malcolm and Donalbain are then informed what happened. Lennox says it looked
like the chamber attendants had done it. Macbeth says that in his fury, he killed the
attendants. Malcolm and Donalbain are afraid and agree to leave. Banquo says they should
reassemble to investigate the matter. Malcolm, in a comment relevant to the theme, says it
is easy to show a false sorrow. They both agree it is not safe there and depart.
Act II, Scene 4 The old man says this is the worst night he
has ever seen. Ross speaks metaphorically of the battle between light and dark. The old
man compares it to an owl killing a great falcon. Ross then talks of the mysterious event
with the horses of Duncan getting loose and eating each other. Macduff says it is thought
the attendants did the murder. He thinks they were paid by Malcolm and Donalbain. Macbeth
is said to have gone to Scone to get the crown. Duncan's body is said to be buried.
Macduff and Ross bid each other farewell. The old man bids them farewell with a comment
alluding again to the theme.
Act III, Scene 1 Banquo comments on how Macbeth has
everything he was promised, but he thinks Macbeth gained it through evil. But Banquo hopes
now that his prophecies will come true and his kids will be kings. Macbeth invites Banquo,
his chief guest, to a feast. Banquo and Fleance are riding that afternoon, but can be back
by supper. Macbeth says that Malcolm and Donalbain, their cousins whom guilt rests upon,
are in England and Ireland but don't admit to the crime. Macbeth bids them farewell then
tells the servant to fetch the murderers. While waiting, he deliver a soliloquy about how
it is insufficient to be king, unless he is secure. He fears Banquo, with his wisdom and
temper, will try to unseat him, as the prophecies said his children would be kings.
Macbeth fears he has given up his soul and committed an evil act, just to put Banquo's
descendants on the throne. He tells fate to fight him to the death. Macbeth has been
convincing the murderers that Banquo is a bad person over the course of two earlier
meetings. Macbeth tells the murderers they have a special role as men, and the murderers
say they have had a rough life and would do anything. Macbeth tells them to kill Banquo,
their mutual enemy. He compares is battle with Banquo to fencing, but says he can't kill
him himself. He tells them to do it carefully, and to kill Banquo's son Fleance as well.
Act III, Scene 2 Lady Macbeth sends a servant for Macbeth,
then says something that reminds of Macbeth's earlier soliloquy. It is no good to be
insecure in what you have, and you might as well be destroyed. She asks Macbeth why he is
keeping to himself and acting worried when he can't change what he has done. Macbeth says
there is still a threat, and he wishes he were one of the dead who are in peace, than have
such constant worries. Lady Macbeth tells him to act happy. Macbeth says his wife needs to
remember that, too, and that they need to flatter Banquo to cover up for their dark plans.
Lady Macbeth says not to kill Banquo and that they won't live forever. Macbeth says they
can be happy after Banquo and Fleance are dead, which will happen that night. Macbeth
doesn't want to tell his wife of his plans so that she can be innocent. He says this evil
deed will help what was badly begun.
Act III, Scene 3 A new murderer appears, claiming to be sent
by Macbeth. Banquo approaches and they kill him, but Fleance escapes. They go to tell
Macbeth.
Act III, Scene 4 At the banquet, they seat themselves
according to rank. Lady Macbeth goes to play hostess, while Macbeth meets with the
Murderer. He learns Fleance escaped and says he is now surrounded by fears instead of
being calm and safe. Macbeth is grateful that at least the snake is gone, thought the worm
Fleance will likely return. He tells the murderer they will meet again. Lady Macbeth tells
him to be a good host, otherwise the guests might as well be eating at home or paying for
the meal. Macbeth then sees a ghost of Banquo sit in his chair, but Ross and Lennox tell
him to sit since they don't see the ghost. Lady Macbeth tells the guests to wait, that
this is just a temporary fit. She tells Macbeth that it is just his imagining from fear.
Macbeth says he is just ill and drinks wine to Banquo. He tells the ghost to go away, that
it is not real. Lady Macbeth tells the lords to leave after Macbeth continues to act
strangely. He wonders then where Macduff is. He says he will go to see the witches again.
Act III, Scene 5 Hecate is angry because the witches have
been dealing with Macbeth without consulting her. She says he will be told his destiny at
the cave the next day. The various spells she contrives will lure him into a false sense
of security. The witches prepare for her return.
Act III, Scene 6 Lennox thinks it is suspicious how Macbeth
has been acting and how two people killed their fathers. Macduff is reported to be in the
English court, rallying forces to remove Macbeth.
Act IV, Scene 1 The witches meet again and cook up a spell in
their cauldron with all sorts of interesting ingredients. Macbeth approaches them to
answer his question, regardless of any havoc it might wreak. Macbeth opts to hear it from
the witches' masters and is greeted by an apparition that can read his mind and answer his
question. The armed head represents Macbeth, telling him to beware of Macduff. The bloody
child represents Macduff, who we later find out was not of woman born. Macbeth wonder why,
then, he should fear Macduff but just to be safe he will kill him anyway. The crowned
child is Malcolm, with the tree representing Burnham Wood, and says not to fear until
Great Burnham wood moves against him. Macbeth feels safe since a wood can never move and
he knows no people not of woman born. He thinks the prophecy is a good and insures him a
safe life. Then a line of kings is seen, thought to represent the descendents of Banquo
that eventually lead to King James. The last king holds a mirror to make the line seem
endless. So Macbeth gets his question answered about Macbeth's descendents and the witches
try to cheer him up by dancing. Then they disappear. Lennox tells Macbeth than Lennox has
gone to England. Macbeth comments in his aside about how he was overtaken by time because
he failed to act on his plan. He decides to kill Macduff's children.
Act IV, Scene 2 Lady Macduff is wondering why her husband
left. She thinks he was mad, looking like a traitor, loveless and cowardly to leave his
family and possessions. Ross tries to comfort her, telling her he knows what is wrong at
the moment. People don't know they are traitors, when they know fear. Ross leaves and says
he will be back. Lady Macduff has an interesting conversation with her son Sirrah about
what they will do without a father. The messenger tells her to leave, that she is in
danger. But Lady Macduff doesn't know where to go, and she has done no wrong. As she
realizes that doing good is sometimes a bad thing, the murderers arrive. The murderers
kill the Son, but Lady Macduff escapes.
Act IV, Scene 3 Malcolm says they should find some place to
cry, while Macduff says they should defend their native country the way they would a
fallen comrade. Scotland is full of cries. Malcolm says this could be true, but he fears
that Macduff could betray him to Macbeth for a reward. Malcolm says that even is Macduff
isn't treacherous, he good give in to the royal command the way a cannon recoils after it
is fired. He says bad things can look good while good things still look good. Malcolm asks
why Macduff left his family. Macduff says he is not a bad person, that the tyrant Macbeth
hurts Scotland as legal ruler. Malcolm says he does want to retake Scotland, but then to
check still if Macduff is a spy, he lies, saying how he is a man of vices who would be an
even worse ruler. At first, Macduff says the vices won't be a problem, that Scotland can
deal with them and that Macbeth is worse. When Malcolm persists, Macduff says that Malcolm
truly unfit to rule and fears for his country. Malcolm then says his fears are allayed,
and that he really is virtuous person. Macduff says this is hard to deal with all of a
sudden. The doctor then talks about how the king is healing people with the evil. Malcolm
does not recognize Ross since he's been in England for a while. Ross tells how awful
things are in Scotland, but assures Macduff his family is fine. He encourages them to
return and save Scotland. Ross then tells Macduff that his family is actually dead. He
encourages revenge. Macduff thinks Macbeth wouldn't have killed his kid if he had any of
his own. They plan to go to Scotland.
Act V, Scene 1 The gentlewoman who cares for Lady Macbeth has
summoned a doctor, but in two nights the reported symptoms of waking up and writing
something have not occurred. The doctor says it is a disturbance of nature for her to do
such things while appearing to sleep. The gentlewoman will not repeat anything Lady
Macbeth has said for she is unsure, but then Lady Macbeth appears, carrying a light. Lady
Macbeth acts as if washing her hands, seeing a spot of blood. She questions why her
husband should be scared, but complains still of the blood that was shed. She is wracked
with guilt that troubles her as the two observe. The doctor says she needs the help of
god, not a doctor for her troubles
Act V, Scene 2 The English forces with the Scottish thanes
are near, Menteith reports. The revenge they seek is a strong enough cause to raise the
dead and wounded. Angus says they will met at Burnham wood, and Caithness asks if
Donalbain is coming. Lennox explains he has a list of everyone, including boys ready to
show their manhood in their first battle, and Donalbain is not on the list. Caithness
explains that Macbeth is strengthening his castle, and is acting crazy, unable to rule.
Angus explains these are the consequences of the murder; people don't willingly follow him
and his title means little. Menteith explains Macbeth is afraid of himself, and Caithness
compares Malcolm to doctor, and by working with him they will cure their country by
shedding their blood.
Act V, Scene 3 Macbeth is wondering how the prophecy will
come true, and tries to remain confident. Macbeth upraids his servant for seeming afraid,
but is told of the English forces. Mcabeth tells Seyton this revolt will either remove or
leave him happy, as right now he has none of things due a man of old age. Macbeth asks for
his armor, planning to defend himself to the end. Macbeth asks the doctor to cure his
wife. The doctor wishes he weren't there.
Act V, Scene 4 Malcolm hopes to regain the safety they once
had. Menteith is sure it will happen. Malcolm tells each soldier to cut down a large tree
branch and put it in front of him, thereby camouflaging himself. The scouts will think
there are less of them. Macbeth waits in his castle, his only hope of defense. Though they
have hopes of what they want to accomplish, now is the time for actual blows and battle to
win.
Act V, Scene 5 Macbeth says let them come to the castle, he
can hold them off. If they didn't have his soldiers, then he could have met them on the
field and beat them back. Macbeth has forgotten what it is like to be afraid, having as
much fear as a man can bear. Macbeth wishes his wife had died later, at a better time. He
comments on how life passes at this little speed, with people dying after a futile life.
Macbeth says the messenger comes to speak, he should give his report quickly. The
messenger, unsure of how to report what he saw, says Birnham wood appeared to move
(remember that the soldiers are carrying boughs to hide themselves as they move), thus the
prophecy is fulfilled. Macbeth starts wishing this were just all over and prepares for
death fighting.
Act V, Scene 6 Macolm and Macduff split off from Siward, and
they throw down their boughs, preparing to fight.
Act V, Scene 7 Macbeth knows he is stuck fighting, and he
wonders who was not born of woman. Macbeth tells Young Siward who he is, and Macbeth says
he should be not just hateful but fearful to Young Siward's ears. Macbeth says he doesn't
fear any not of woman born and kills Young Siward. Macduff says he must kill Macbeth to
avenge his family, and only Macbeth. By the noise of Macbeth's armor, he locates him.
Siward explains the battle is easy. Malcolm enters the castle.
Act V, Scene 8 Macbeth asks why he should kill himself when
the wounds he might inflict upon himself would look better upon his living enemies.
Macbeth says he has avoided Macduff and does not want to kill him after killing his
family. Macduff says he will speak with his sword instead of words. Macbeth says the
Macduff will not hurt him. Macduff then reveals that he was ripped from his mother's womb
while she died. Macbeth is angry to discover that the prophecy will come true and only
provided him false hope. Macduff tells him to give up and explains he will be put on a
pole and displayed as a tyrant. Macbeth says he will try despite the prophecy rather than
yield to Malcolm.
Act V, Scene 9 Malcolm wishes no one had to die, but Siward
says it is necessary and the cost wasn't that high for such a good day. Ross tells Siward
that Young Siward, who just became a man in fighting, died. He tells him not to have
sorrow, though. Siward says he died well then. Macduff hails Malcolm as king holding
Macbeth's head.
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