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Macbeth

The document summarizes Shakespeare's play Macbeth in 5 acts, detailing the witches' prophecy that leads Macbeth to murder King Duncan and seize the throne, his growing paranoia and tyrannical rule, and his eventual defeat at the hands of Macduff when the prophecies' loopholes are revealed.

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MANASI AHIRE [SOUS-EO054]
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40 views2 pages

Macbeth

The document summarizes Shakespeare's play Macbeth in 5 acts, detailing the witches' prophecy that leads Macbeth to murder King Duncan and seize the throne, his growing paranoia and tyrannical rule, and his eventual defeat at the hands of Macduff when the prophecies' loopholes are revealed.

Uploaded by

MANASI AHIRE [SOUS-EO054]
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Macbeth [The Scottish play]

1606

Act I
On a bleak Scottish moorland, Macbeth and Banquo, two of King Duncan's generals,
discover three strange women (witches). The witches prophesy that Macbeth will be
promoted twice: to Thane of Cawdor (a rank of the aristocracy bestowed by grateful
kings) and King of Scotland. Banquo's descendants will be kings, but Banquo isn't
promised any kingdom himself. The generals want to hear more, but the "weird sisters"
disappear. oon afterwards, King Duncan names Macbeth Thane of Cawdor as a reward
for his success in the recent battles. The promotion seems to support the prophecy.
The King then proposes to make a brief visit that night to Macbeth's castle at
Inverness. Lady Macbeth receives news from her husband about the prophecy and his
new title. She vows to help him become king by whatever means are necessary
(*ominous music*).

Act II
Macbeth returns to his castle, followed almost immediately by King Duncan. The
Macbeths plot together to kill Duncan and wait until everyone is asleep. At the
appointed time, Lady Macbeth gives the guards drugged wine so Macbeth can enter
and kill the King. He regrets this almost immediately, but his wife reassures him. She
leaves the bloody daggers by the dead king just before Macduff, a nobleman, arrives.
When Macduff discovers the murder, Macbeth kills the drunken guards in a show of
rage and retribution. Duncan's sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, flee, fearing for their
own lives; but they are, nevertheless, blamed for the murder.

Act III
Macbeth becomes King of Scotland but is plagued by feelings of insecurity. He
remembers the prophecy that Banquo's descendants will inherit the throne and
arranges for Banquo and his son Fleance to be killed. In the darkness, Banquo is
murdered, but his son escapes the assassins. At his state banquet that night, Macbeth
sees the ghost of Banquo and worries the courtiers with his mad response. Lady
Macbeth dismisses the court and unsuccessfully tries to calm her husband.

Act IV
Macbeth seeks out the witches who say that he will be safe until a local wood, Birnam
Wood, marches into battle against him. He also need not fear anyone born of woman
(that sounds secure, no loop-holes here). They also prophesy that the Scottish
succession will still come from Banquo's son. Macbeth embarks on a reign of terror,
slaughtering many, including Macduff's family. Macduff had gone to seek Malcolm (one
of Duncan's sons who fled) at the court of the English king. Malcolm is young and
unsure of himself, but Macduff, pained with grief, persuades him to lead an army
against Macbeth.

Act V
Macbeth feels safe in his remote castle at Dunsinane until he is told that Birnam Wood
is moving towards him. Malcolm's army is carrying branches from the forest as
camouflage for their assault on Macbeth's stronghold. Meanwhile, an overwrought and
conscience-ridden Lady Macbeth walks in her sleep and tells her secrets to her doctor.
She commits suicide. As the final battle commences, Macbeth hears of Lady
Macbeth's suicide and mourns. In the midst of a losing battle, Macduff challenges
Macbeth. Macbeth learns Macduff is the child of a caesarean birth (loophole!), realises
he is doomed, and submits to his enemy. Macduff triumphs and brings the head of the
traitor Macbeth to Malcolm. Malcolm declares peace and goes to Scone to be
crowned king.

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