Macbeth Summary
Macbeth Summary
Macbeth Summary
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**Act 1:**
The play opens with three witches meeting on a desolate heath, where they plan to meet
Macbeth after a battle. Meanwhile, in a camp near the battlefield, King Duncan learns of the
Scottish army's victory over rebels, led by Macdonwald and the Thane of Cawdor. Duncan
orders the Thane of Cawdor to be executed and rewards Macbeth with the title. News of this
victory reaches Macbeth and Banquo as they journey home. On their way, they encounter
the witches who prophesy that Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and then king, while
Banquo's descendants will inherit the throne.
When Macbeth learns he has been named the new Thane of Cawdor, he begins to
contemplate the witches' prophecy. Lady Macbeth receives a letter from her husband
detailing the encounter with the witches and his new title. She sees an opportunity for
Macbeth to fulfill the prophecy by murdering King Duncan and urges him to act on his
ambition.
**Act 2:**
Macbeth wrestles with his conscience but ultimately decides to kill Duncan. Lady Macbeth
helps him plan the murder and drugs the king's guards. Macbeth enters Duncan's chamber
and kills him, then blames the murder on the guards. Macduff discovers Duncan's body and
raises the alarm. Duncan's sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, flee for their safety, suspecting
foul play.
**Act 3:**
Macbeth is crowned king, but his paranoia grows as he fears Banquo's descendants may
inherit the throne, as prophesied. He hires murderers to kill Banquo and his son, Fleance,
but Fleance escapes. At a banquet, Macbeth sees Banquo's ghost, causing him to unravel in
front of his guests. Lady Macbeth tries to calm him, but his guilt consumes him.
**Act 4:**
Macbeth visits the witches again, seeking reassurance. They conjure three apparitions who
offer cryptic predictions: beware Macduff, no man born of woman can harm Macbeth, and
Macbeth will be safe until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane Hill. Macbeth, feeling
invincible, orders the deaths of Macduff's family and begins a reign of tyranny.
**Act 5:**
Lady Macbeth's guilt overwhelms her, leading to her mental breakdown and eventual
suicide. Meanwhile, Macduff joins forces with Malcolm to overthrow Macbeth. As they
prepare for battle, Malcolm orders his soldiers to disguise themselves with branches from
Birnam Wood, thus fulfilling the witches' prophecy. Macduff reveals that he was born by
cesarean section, technically not "of woman born," and challenges Macbeth to a duel.
Macbeth is slain, and Malcolm is hailed as the new king of Scotland.
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This summary covers the major plot points and themes of "Macbeth," showcasing the tragic
downfall of a once noble and valiant hero consumed by ambition and guilt.