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- Macbeth: the plot
Macbeth: the plot
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Macbeth is a tragedy about a brave soldier who is destroyed by his ambition. Knowing the order of events makes every essay easier.
Acts 1 and 2: the prophecy and the murder
Three witches tell Macbeth he will be Thane of Cawdor and then king. They tell Banquo his descendants will be kings.
When the first prophecy comes true, Macbeth thinks about murder. Lady Macbeth pushes him on.
Macbeth kills King Duncan in his sleep. Duncan's sons flee, and Macbeth becomes king.
When the first prophecy comes true, Macbeth thinks about murder. Lady Macbeth pushes him on.
Macbeth kills King Duncan in his sleep. Duncan's sons flee, and Macbeth becomes king.
Act 3 and 4: more blood
Fearing Banquo, Macbeth has him murdered, but Banquo's son Fleance escapes.
Banquo's ghost appears at a banquet.
The witches warn Macbeth to beware Macduff, but say no man "of woman born" can harm him, and he is safe until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane.
Macbeth has Macduff's wife and children killed.
Banquo's ghost appears at a banquet.
The witches warn Macbeth to beware Macduff, but say no man "of woman born" can harm him, and he is safe until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane.
Macbeth has Macduff's wife and children killed.
Act 5: the fall
Lady Macbeth sleepwalks, tormented by guilt, and later dies.
Soldiers carry branches from Birnam Wood towards Dunsinane.
Macduff reveals he was born by caesarean section, "from his mother's womb / Untimely ripp'd". He kills Macbeth, and Malcolm becomes king.
Soldiers carry branches from Birnam Wood towards Dunsinane.
Macduff reveals he was born by caesarean section, "from his mother's womb / Untimely ripp'd". He kills Macbeth, and Malcolm becomes king.
How do the witches' later prophecies trick Macbeth?
- They say no man "of woman born" can harm him, so he feels invincible.
- Macduff was born by caesarean section, so the prophecy has a loophole.
- Birnam Wood "moves" because soldiers carry its branches.
Answer: The prophecies come true in unexpected ways, so Macbeth's confidence is false.
Prophecy, then the murder of Duncan, then more murders (Banquo, Macduff's family) to stay in power, then guilt, then Macbeth's death at Macduff's hands.
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