Macbeth Summary

The play begins in an empty section of Scotland where three witches meet.
They discuss Macbeth

and plan to meet again later. In the next scene, King Duncan is told about the heroic deeds of
Macbeth. Macbeth has killed the traitor McDonald in a brave battle. Please by his actions, Duncan
decided to name Macbeth the Thane of Cawdor.
In scene 3 the witches meet again and this time see Banquo and Macbeth. The witches predict that
Banquo will never be king, but his sons will be. They also greet Macbeth as Thane of Glamis, Thane
of Cawdor, and King. This prediction holds weight when Macbeth learns of the king’s decision to
pass along the title. He begins to think that he might be king and contemplates what that means.
In scene 4 Duncan names Malcolm Prince of Cumberland. This means that if Duncan were to die,
Malcolm will inherit the throne. At this point, Macbeth knows that if he is going to become king,
he’s going to half to step over (kill) Malcolm.
In scene 5 Lady Macbeth receives a letter from her husband detailing the prediction of the three
witches. She knows that her husband is to kind to do what needs to be done to become king.
In scene 6 Duncan arrives at the home of the Macbeth. Duncan comments on the nice night and
believe it’s a sign of something good about to happen.
In scene 7 Macbeth holds a dinner for Duncan. He contemplates if he is strong enough to kill Duncan
and Lady Macbeth questions his manhood.
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.
Soon 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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The play begins in an empty section of Scotland where three witches meet.

They discuss Macbeth

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