Macbeth - plot summary

Macbeth - plot summary

1. Macbeth follows the progress of the title character as he becomes increasingly powerful, using any means to get what he wants - even murder! He is encouraged by the ruthless and bloodthirsty ambition of his wife, Lady Macbeth. However, power comes at a price and by the end of the play, Macbeth's world falls apart around him, he is defeated and a new king, Malcolm, is declared.

   • Consequences
     • Ever since Duncan's death, Lady Macbeth's conscience has been troubling her. She has taken to sleepwalking and tries to wash her hands clean of imaginary blood. She eventually dies; it is suggested by Malcolm later that she kills herself, but Macbeth seems almost too preoccupied to notice.
       • Malcolm and Macduff's invasion begins; Macbeth still thinks he is protected by the Witches' predictions but he is wrong. When the invading army cut down the trees in Birnam Wood to use as camouflage, as they move to Macbeth's castle in Dunsinane, it seems as though the trees themselves are moving.
         • Macduff comes face-to-face with Macbeth in battle. Macbeth boasts that Macduff cannot harm him but Macduff declares that he was not born naturally (but by Caesarean section). The two men fight and Macduff kills and then beheads Macbeth. Malcolm is declared the new king of Scotland.

2. Social and historical context

   • Macbeth was written by Shakespeare in approximately 1606. The early 17th century was a time of political upheaval, suspicion and superstition. A new king had just come to power and the future of the country seemed quite uncertain. Shakespeare's play reflects these changes.

3. A fateful meeting

   • Macbeth, the powerful Thane of Glamis, has led the Scottish army of King Duncan to victory against an invading force and has personally fought bravely. As he returns from the battle with his best friend, Banquo, they meet three Witches. They predict that Macbeth will be made Thane of Cawdor (a more powerful position than that he currently holds) and eventually become King of Scotland. They also tell Banquo that although he will never be king, his descendants will; the Witches then vanish. Almost immediately, Macbeth receives the news that in gratitude for leading his troops to victory Duncan is making him Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth begins to wonder whether this means the other predictions will come true as well.

4. Murder!

   • Duncan is due to stay with the Macbeths as a house guest. When Lady Macbeth receives Macbeth's news in a letter, she resolves to make the most of the situation. Macbeth and his wife plan and carry out Duncan's murder. When Macbeth hesitates, his wife encourages him; she even takes part in the action. They try to cover up their deed by making it seem as if the King's servants are responsible. The following morning, Macduff, the Thane of Fife, discovers the King's body. In the confusion that follows, Macbeth kills Duncan's innocent guards so that they cannot talk. Malcolm and Donalbain, the king's sons, flee the country and the way is left clear for Macbeth to seize the throne.

5. A guilty conscience

   • Despite being King, Macbeth does not feel secure, especially when he thinks about the Witches' prediction that Banquo's descendants and not his own will be kings in the future. Banquo is suspicious of Macbeth's part in Duncan's death so Macbeth arranges for some hired murderers to kill Banquo and his son Fleance. They murder Banquo but Fleance escapes. Macbeth is furious but can do nothing. Later, at a banquet, Banquo's blood-stained ghost appears to Macbeth. Only he can see the ghost and the rest of the court begin to wonder whether Macbeth is going mad.

6. More predictions

   • Macbeth decides to consult the witches again. They show him visions which tell Macbeth:
     • - to beware of Macduff
       • - that he cannot be harmed by anyone born of a woman
         • - that he is safe until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane Hill
           • As the second and third predictions are logically and physically impossible, Macbeth feels relatively safe. However, he learns that Macduff has gone to join Malcolm in England. Angered by what he sees as Macduff's treachery, he orders Macduff's castle to be seized and the Macduff family to be slaughtered. A devastated Macduff swears revenge on Macbeth and vows to support Malcolm in regaining the Scottish throne.