MacbethMacbeth

Summary of Macbeth

Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies.

Beginning:

The play opens with three witches who prophesy that Macbeth, a brave Scottish general, will become the King of Scotland. They also predict that Banquo, Macbeth’s friend, will not be king himself but his descendants will rule.

Rise of Ambition:

Encouraged by Lady Macbeth and driven by ambition, Macbeth murders King Duncan while he is a guest in his castle. Macbeth becomes king, but his mind is restless and full of guilt.

Growing Tyranny:

Fearing the witches’ prophecy about Banquo’s descendants, Macbeth has Banquo killed, but Banquo’s son Fleance escapes. Macbeth continues to act cruelly, leading to fear and rebellion in Scotland.

Downfall:

Haunted by visions and pushed into madness, Lady Macbeth suffers from guilt and finally dies (possibly by suicide). Macbeth clings to the witches’ new prophecies, which make him feel invincible.

Climax and End:

In the final battle, Macbeth faces Macduff, a nobleman whose family he had murdered. Macduff reveals that he was “not born of a woman” in the usual way (he was delivered by caesarean birth), fulfilling the prophecy. Macbeth is killed, and Malcolm, Duncan’s son, becomes the rightful king.

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Central Themes: Ambition, power, fate vs. free will, guilt, and moral corruption.

Famous Line: “Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” – highlighting the theme of deception.

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