Macbeth Act Summaries

Macbeth Act Summaries

1. Act 1: Duncan plans to reward Macbeth for brave fighting with the title Thane of Cawdor.

   • Three witches prophecy that Macbeth will be Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland.
     • Macbeth is informed that he will become Thane of Cawdor. Amazed that witches prophecy has come true
       • LM shares ambition and calls on demonic spirits to give her strength to kill Duncan.
         • Duncan arrives at Macbeth castle where he is welcomed.

2. Act 2: Macbeth sees a vision of a dagger as he is worried about murder

   • Macbeth kills Duncan and LM criticises the way he handled it. LM also helps to cover up murder
     • Macduff finds Duncan murdered and sounds alarm
       • Macbeth's slays guards to cover up crime but claims they killed Duncan
         • Duncans sons Malcolm and Donalbain flee in fear
           • Macbeth succeeds throne.

3. Act 3: Banquo suspects Macbeth of treachery and Macbeth kills Banquo but son Fleance escapes

   • Banquo ghost appears to Macbeth during Banquet and terrorises him and Macbeth appears guilty now.
     • Macbeth acts independant from LM now as witches prepare to meet him.
       • Macduff flees to England leaving family behind

4. Act 4: Macbeth visits witches and discovers that he should fear Macduff. No man of woman born can harm him though. He also learns that he will never be beaten until Birnan Wood comes to Dunsinane.

   • Macbeth orders murder of Macduff family
     • Macduff learns about murder of family and is furious when he finds out Macbeth ordered it.
       • Malcolm informs Macduff there will be an army led by Seyward to challenge Macbeth

5. Act 5: English army marches to Macbeth disguised with branches taken from Birnan Wood.

   • Macbeth learns his wife has died but appears fine.
     • Enraged when messenger says Birnan Wood is coming to Dunsinane.
       • Abandons siege plan and goes out to fight. Meets Macduff who born from Caesarean kills Macbeth.
         • Macduff hails Malcolm as King of Scotland