Macbeth summaries

Act 1 Scene 1

• Three witches meet in the middle of a storm.
• They speak in riddles and rhymes, using strange language such as "hurly-burly" ( line 3 )
• They are preparing to entice Macbeth "upon the heath" ( line 6 )
• A sense of foreboding is created by their choral lines that set up the theme of deception where "fair is foul, and foul is fair" ( line 9)

Act 1 Scene 2

• King Duncan receives news that the battle against the rebel Macdonwald was evenly balanced, but that Macbeth has killed him.
• The Captain brings news to Duncan that, thanks to Macbeth's and Banquo's courageous actions, his army has won.
• Duncan then declares that the traitorous Thane of Cawdor will be executed and bestows his title and lands on Macbeth as a reward.

Act 1 Scene 3

• The witches meet as planned, in the thunder and rain.
• They greet Macbeth and Banquo and tell them that Macbeth will become both Thane od Cawdor and King of Scotland.
• Macbeth is stunned by these prophecies. Banquo demands the witches tell him of his future too. They predict that he will not be King, but his offspring will.
• The witches vanish and messengers from King Duncan arrive. They report that Macbeth is now Thane of Cawdor.
• Macbeth is astonished by the news and Banquo warns him of danger. Macbeth is preoccupied with thoughts of kingship, which he tries to hide.

Act 1 Scene 4

• King Duncan asks his son, Malcolm, to confirm that the Thane of Cawdor has been executed.
• He is told that Cawdor died with dignity, repenting his actions.
• Macbeth and Banquo enter and are thanked by Duncan for their efforts in the war.
• Duncan proclaims that Malcolm will be his heir. He also says that he will visit Macbeth at home.
• Macbeth says he will write to his wife and prepare for the arrival of the king. He is unhappy about Duncan's announcement that Malcolm is next in line to the throne.
• In Macbeth's absence, Duncan praises him to Banquo.

Act 1 Scene 5

• Lady Macbeth reads a letter from her husband describing his encounter with the witches.
• She is convinced by the witches' prophecy because, as they promised Macbeth has been made Thane of Cawdor.
• She worries that Macbeth is too kind-natured to be able to take the crown. She is determined that she will assist him through 'the valour of my tongue' ( line 26)
• Lady Macbeth is overjoyed to learn that Duncan will stay in their castle overnight. She calls on demonic spirits to harden her resolve and to destroy any weakness or pity.
• Macbeth enters and she starts convincing him that he should murder Duncan.
• She insists that the deed must be done, that she will personally organise its operation, and finally that failure to accomplish it would be a form of fear.

Act 1 Scene 6

• King Duncan arrives at Macbeth's castle, Glamis, with his sons, Banquo and attendant thanes.
• Lady Macbeth greets Duncan and they exchange compliments. Duncan takes her hand and is led into the castle.

Act 1 Scene 7

• In a soliloquy, Macbeth debates the pros and cons of murdering Duncan.
• He worries that the act of murdering his king and gust will return to plague him. He admits that Duncan has been a good king and worries that heaven itself will expose his wickedness.
• Macbeth says that the only justification for murder is his ambition.
• He is frightened by his own imagery of damnation and he resolves not to go ahead with the murder.
• Lady Macbeth enters and Macbeth informs her that he will not murder Duncan. He has been 'honoured' ( line 32 ) recently by the king and does not want to 'cast aside' ( line 35 ) this recognition.
• Lady Macbeth is contemptuous of his change of heart. and accuses him of cowardice. They argue but her violent determination wins out. She outlines the plan and he agrees to it.

Act 2 Scene 1

• On his way to bed, Banquo has a premonition something is wrong, and then encounters Macbeth.
• Banquo presents him with a gift from the king: a diamond for Lady Macbeth.