Act Summaries

Act I - The witches are introduced to us as the paranormal, supernatural elements of the play. We are told by the Captain that the Thane of Cawdor has dishonored King Duncan in the war against the Norwegians and Scottish rebels. Macbeth is also introduced in this act as a loyal, brave, and honorable trustee. Duncan feels Macbeth deserves a lot of recognition, saying that he will be thane of Cawdor after the execution of the present thane. In response to this, Macbeth says “The service and loyalty I owe, in doing it, pays itself” (1.4.22). By scene four, King Duncan announces Malcom will be heir to the Scottish throne and decides to the spend the night at Macbeth’s castle. Macbeth prepares for the King’s visit, but also imagines the success he could attain if Malcolm weren’t in the way of the throne. Lady Macbeth begins to encourage Macbeth to take the throne and kill Duncan. At first Macbeth feels this is wrong, but Lady Macbeth scratches his pride, saying he is “full o’ milk”. She tells him to look like an “innocent flower” but be the viper hiding beneath if (1.5.63)

Act 2 - Banquo shares with Macbeth his dreams of the “weird sisters”, while here Macbeth says that if Banquo supports him, he’ll reward and honor Banquo for it. Banquo says he will, as long supporting him does not included dishonor in any way. Macbeth sees a bloody dagger while he is a lone, not sure if it is just an imagination. Macbeth goes off to kill Duncan, Lady Macbeth saying she would have done it had Duncan not looked like her father. Guilt flushes into Macbeth very soon after the murders. Lady Macbeth stands her ground in this act, saying “a little water clears us of this deed” (2.2.65) telling him to sleep and all will be well. Ross and an old man discuss the unnatural order of the setting just after Duncan’s murder. Macduff says the attendants killed Duncan and the fleeing of Malcolm and Donalbain make them seem guilty. Macbeth is then made king, who had already left to Scone for the coronation.

Act 3 – Banquo states that he is suspicious of Macbeth killing Duncan in search to fulfill the witches prophecy. Macbeth asks Banquo to attend a feast later that evening, even though he is planning to kill him off. Macbeth asks two man, identified as “murders” to kill Banquo and Fleance, because he didn’t want Banquo and his family to benefit off his murdering. This act shows Macbeth’s guilt, saying “O, full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife!” (3.2.37) because Fleance and Banquo are still alive. Scene three is presented, and the murders have killed Banquo, but Fleance escaped. At the table later that evening, Macbeth is bothered by Banquo’s ghost. Only Macbeth can see the ghosts, but publicly begins shouting to him. Lady Macbeth calms the guest by saying this is a childhood routine. Macbeth moans on about murders and spirits and Lady Macbeth dismisses the guest, seemingly not being able to calm Macbeth. He decides to visit the witches to find out more about his future.

Act 4 – The opening of this act opens with the three witches creating a pot of boiling brew. The queen of the witches arrive and they dance and sing. One says “something wicked this way comes” (4.1.62) referring to Macbeth which is ironic because the witches speak this. He commands the witches to answer what he asks. In plans to ruin Macbeth, the witches summon up three apparitions. The first is a floating head, telling Macbeth to beware Macduff. The second is a blood child, telling him “no man of woman born shall harm Macbeth” (4.1.95). The last is a child wearing a crown and holding a tree that says Macbeth will not be defeated until Great Birnam Wood marches to Dunsinane Hill. Macbeth feels invincible since all the apparitions seen impossible enough. The witches confuse Macbeth by showing him a line of eight kings, all followed by Banquo’s ghost. The scene switches to England, Lady Macduff speaking to her son about the leave of her husband. Oddly enough, the murders kill Lady Macduff and her family. Malcom and Macduff discuss defeating Macbeth over a long, verbose meeting.

Act 5 – By Act 5, Lady Macbeth is considered sick. The readers know by this time, Lady Macbeth exemplifies her guilt and remorse for the murders. She sleepwalks and sleep talks about removing the blood for her hands, “out, damned spot”. Macbeth sees that she cannot be cured, but shows no remorse and continues unbothered by his wife’s illness. People around Macbeth begin to notice his madness and constant rage. In Birnam Wood, Malcolm gives orders to hide the army by cutting a branch from a tree and marching with it. With this happening, Macbeth see how the witches have tricked him. Macbeth joins the battle, and first kills young Siward, not afraid of any man “born of woman”. Macduff searches for Macbeth, wanting to kill him to avenge his family. Macbeth’s castle is captured; Macbeth’s army not willing to fight back. Macduff and Macbeth meet and Macduff admits to being “untimely ripped”. This puts Macbeth in fear, and he attacks Macduff but is killed. Malcolm returns to Scotland saying he will restore peace and political order as king.