macbeth summary of macbeth

8/7/2019 MACBETH Summary of Macbeth

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Summary of Macbeth

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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 bleedingsergeant. The sergeant had saved Malcolm earlier. He says that the battle was doubtful, with the rebel

Macdonwald receiving reinforcements and luck. However, Macbethman 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 Macbethand

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 willnever be lost. The witch has the pilot's thumb. Then Macbeth comes. The witches sing

a little song. Macbethcomments on the good and bad day, then Banquo sees the witches. They look

human in some ways, but don't in others. The witches hailMacbeth 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. Rosstells

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 aproblem inMacbeth'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, soMacbeth 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. Macbethresponds 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, andcompares 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, becauseMacbeth doesn't wantto. 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 tounseat 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 changewhat 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 nopeople 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 Sirrahabout 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 todoctor, 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 onlyhope 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.

macbeth summary of macbeth

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