Macbeth by William Shakespeare | Plot Summary

Summary

The script of 'Macbeth' unfolds with three witches foretelling Macbeth's rise to power as the Thane of Cawdor and eventual kingship. Driven by ambition, Macbeth and his wife orchestrate King Duncan's murder, leading to Macbeth's coronation. Haunted by guilt and further prophecies, Macbeth's tyranny escalates, culminating in his downfall. As Macduff and Malcolm rally forces against him, Macbeth's belief in the witches' words ultimately leads to his demise, with Macduff avenging his family and Malcolm ascending to the throne.

Takeaways

• 🧙‍♂️ The play 'Macbeth' opens with three witches setting the stage for Macbeth's encounter.
• 🏰 King Duncan of Scotland learns of Macbeth's victory against the rebellion and decides to reward him with the title of Thane of Cawdor.
• 🔮 Macbeth and Banquo meet the witches who predict Macbeth's rise to power and Banquo's descendants becoming kings.
• 👑 After the prophecy, Macbeth is granted the title of Thane of Cawdor, fueling his ambition to become king.
• 🗡 Lady Macbeth plots the murder of King Duncan to secure the throne for Macbeth, showing her manipulative nature.
• 💤 Macbeth kills King Duncan in his sleep, leading to a series of tragic events and the beginning of Macbeth's reign.
• 🕊️ Banquo's suspicion of Macbeth's intentions grows, prompting Macbeth to hire murderers to eliminate Banquo, though his son Fleance escapes.
• 👻 Macbeth's guilt manifests as he sees Banquo's ghost at a banquet, revealing his deteriorating mental state.
• 🌳 The witches provide three new predictions, including that Macbeth will be safe until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane Castle.
• ⚔️ Macduff seeks out Malcolm to rally an army against Macbeth, leading to a decisive battle.
• 🏰 The Scottish and English forces use camouflage to approach Dunsinane Hill, fulfilling one of the witches' prophecies.
• 🤱 Macduff was born via caesarean section, which contradicts the witches' prophecy, leading to Macbeth's downfall.
• 🏆 Malcolm is crowned the rightful king of Scotland, signifying the end of Macbeth's tyrannical rule.

Q & A

What significant event begins the play 'Macbeth'?

The play 'Macbeth' begins with the appearance of three witches who plan to meet Macbeth.

What news does King Duncan of Scotland receive about Macbeth?

King Duncan receives news that Macbeth has defeated the leaders of a rebellion against the king, MacDonald and the Thane of Cawdor.

What title does King Duncan grant Macbeth after the defeat of the rebellion leaders?

King Duncan decides to name Macbeth the new Thane of Cawdor.

What prediction do the witches make for Macbeth when they meet him?

The witches predict that Macbeth will become the Thane of Cawdor and eventually the King.

How does Macbeth's wife, Lady Macbeth, react to the witches' predictions?

Lady Macbeth begins to plot the murder of King Duncan so that Macbeth can take the throne.

What action does Macbeth take after King Duncan visits the castle?

Macbeth, initially hesitant, goes through with the plan to murder King Duncan in his sleep.

What does Lady Macbeth do after Macbeth kills Duncan?

Lady Macbeth goes back to plant the weapons and frame the guards for Duncan's murder.

Why do Malcolm and Donalbain flee the country after Duncan's death?

Malcolm and Donalbain flee the country fearing for their own safety after their father, King Duncan, is murdered.

What does Macbeth do when he feels threatened by Banquo?

Macbeth hires murderers to kill Banquo and his son, Fleance, as he sees Banquo as a threat.

What significant event occurs at the banquet the same night Banquo is killed?

At the banquet, Macbeth sees Banquo's ghost and appears insane to the court.

What do the witches predict about Macbeth's future when he meets them again?

The witches predict that no man born of a woman can harm Macbeth and that he will be secure until Birnam Wood comes to Macbeth's castle at Dunsinane Hill.

How does Macbeth's reign as king begin to falter?

Macbeth's rule begins to wane as he becomes increasingly paranoid and violent, leading to a united front against him by the Scottish Lords and Thanes.

What happens to Lady Macbeth as a result of her actions?

Lady Macbeth goes mad due to her repressed guilt and is under a doctor's care because of hallucinations.

How does Macbeth's life end?

Macbeth is killed by Macduff in the final battle, after learning that Macduff was not born of a woman, thus fulfilling the witches' prophecy.

Who becomes the king of Scotland after Macbeth's death?

Malcolm takes his place as the rightful king of Scotland after Macbeth's death.