Macbeth William Shakespeare

“Macbeth” is one of William Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies, written around 1606. The play delves into the damaging physical and psychological effects of political ambition on those who seek power for its own sake. Here’s a brief summary:

Setting: Scotland during the Middle Ages.

Main Characters:

Macbeth: A Scottish general and the thane of Glamis, later the King of Scotland.
Lady Macbeth: Macbeth’s ambitious wife.
Duncan: The King of Scotland.
Banquo: Macbeth’s friend and a general in the Scottish army.
Macduff: A Scottish nobleman.
Plot Summary:

The Witches’ Prophecy: The play opens with three witches who set the tone of the entire play by stating that fair is foul, and foul is fair. Macbeth and Banquo, Scottish generals, encounter the witches who prophesy that Macbeth will become the thane of Cawdor and then King of Scotland, while Banquo’s descendants will be kings.

Macbeth’s Rise to Power: The first prophecy quickly comes true, and Macbeth becomes the thane of Cawdor. Encouraged by this, and driven by his ambitious wife, Lady Macbeth, he murders King Duncan and takes the throne. However, he is wracked with guilt and paranoia.

Further Crimes: Fearing the witches’ prophecy about Banquo’s descendants, Macbeth arranges the murder of Banquo and his son, Fleance. Fleance escapes, but Banquo is killed. Macbeth is haunted by Banquo’s ghost at a banquet.

Macduff and Malcolm: Macduff, a nobleman who suspects Macbeth of regicide, flees to England to join Duncan’s son, Malcolm. Macbeth, in response, orders the murder of Macduff’s family.

The Downfall of Macbeth: The witches give Macbeth a false sense of security with more prophecies. He believes he is invincible because he thinks he cannot be harmed by anyone “of woman born” and will be safe until “Great Birnam Wood” comes to Dunsinane Hill.

The Final Battle: Malcolm, Macduff, and an English army march on Macbeth’s castle, using branches from Birnam Wood to disguise their numbers. In the final battle, Macduff confronts Macbeth. Macbeth learns that Macduff was “from his mother’s womb untimely ripped” (born by Caesarean section) and thus not technically “of woman born.” Macduff kills Macbeth, and Malcolm is crowned King of Scotland.

Themes: The play explores themes of ambition, power, guilt, prophecy, and the natural versus the supernatural. It examines the corrupting influence of unchecked ambition and the moral and psychological effects of sin and guilt.

“Macbeth” is renowned for its vivid portrayal of a tormented protagonist, its poetic language, and its exploration of the dark side of human nature.

Quotes from Macbeth

“Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” – Act 1, Scene 1

Spoken by the witches, this line sets the tone for the play’s theme of moral confusion.
“So foul and fair a day I have not seen.” – Act 1, Scene 3

Macbeth’s first line in the play, echoing the witches’ words and hinting at the moral ambiguity to come.
“Look like the innocent flower, But be the serpent under’t.” – Act 1, Scene 5

Lady Macbeth advises Macbeth on how to hide his murderous intentions.
“Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand?” – Act 2, Scene 1

Macbeth hallucinates a dagger leading him towards Duncan’s room.
“Out, damned spot! out, I say!” – Act 5, Scene 1

Lady Macbeth, in her madness, tries to wash away the imaginary bloodstains of Duncan’s murder.
“Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow, Creeps in this petty pace from day to day.” – Act 5, Scene 5

Macbeth reflects on the futility and meaningless of life after learning of his wife’s death.
“By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes.” – Act 4, Scene 1

The witches sense Macbeth’s approach.
“All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand.” – Act 5, Scene 1

Lady Macbeth laments that nothing can clear her conscience.
“Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and cauldron bubble.” – Act 4, Scene 1

The witches chant as they concoct a potion.
“Macbeth shall never vanquished be until Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill Shall come against him.” – Act 4, Scene 1

Themes in Macbeth

“Macbeth” is rich in themes that explore the complexities of the human condition and the moral consequences of actions. Some of the key themes in the play include:

Ambition and Power: The central theme of “Macbeth” is the corrupting nature of unchecked ambition and the pursuit of power. Macbeth’s ambition is ignited by the witches’ prophecy and spurred on by Lady Macbeth, leading to his moral downfall.

Guilt and Conscience: The play vividly portrays the psychological burden of guilt. Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are deeply affected by the guilt of their actions, which manifests in hallucinations and madness, illustrating the heavy weight of conscience.

Fate vs. Free Will: The witches’ prophecies play a crucial role in the play, raising questions about fate and free will. Macbeth’s actions are influenced by his belief in fate, yet the play suggests that his choices are a result of free will, leading to his downfall.

The Supernatural: Supernatural elements, such as the witches and their prophecies, and the apparitions, play a significant role in setting the play’s tone and advancing the plot. They symbolize the dark forces that can influence human behavior.

The Nature of Evil: “Macbeth” explores the nature of evil through the character’s choices and actions. The moral ambiguity and the ease with which Macbeth and Lady Macbeth commit evil acts reflect on the corrupting nature of power and unchecked ambition.

Masculinity and Gender Roles: The play challenges traditional gender roles, particularly through the character of Lady Macbeth, who associates masculinity with aggression and power. Her taunting of Macbeth’s masculinity spurs him into committing murder.

Kingship and Tyranny: Shakespeare contrasts the benevolent, rightful rule of King Duncan and Malcolm with the tyrannical reign of Macbeth, exploring themes of legitimate kingship and the destructive nature of tyranny.

Order and Disorder: The natural order and the social order are deeply intertwined in the play. Macbeth’s usurpation of the throne and his subsequent tyranny are depicted as unnatural acts that disrupt both the social and natural order.

Violence and Consequences: The play is marked by a cycle of violence, beginning with Macbeth’s initial act of regicide. Each violent act leads to further bloodshed, illustrating the destructive consequences of violence.

Illusion vs. Reality: Macbeth’s descent into madness is accompanied by a blurring of the line between reality and illusion. Hallucinations, like the bloody dagger and Banquo’s ghost, symbolize this confusion and the consequences of living in a morally ambiguous world.

Imagery in Macbeth

“Macbeth” is renowned for its rich and powerful use of imagery, which enhances the themes and emotions of the play. Shakespeare uses various forms of imagery to create a vivid and symbolic landscape. Some of the key types of imagery in “Macbeth” include:

Blood Imagery: Perhaps the most prominent imagery in the play, blood symbolizes the guilt and remorse of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. From the bloody hands after Duncan’s murder to Lady Macbeth’s hallucination of a bloodstain that cannot be washed away, blood imagery represents the stain of guilt that cannot be cleansed.

Darkness and Night: Darkness is frequently used to symbolize evil and the unknown. Many of the play’s most violent acts occur under the cover of darkness, which reflects the moral darkness of the deeds. The frequent calls for night and darkness to cover acts of evil underscore this imagery.

Sleep Imagery: Sleep in “Macbeth” symbolizes innocence, peace, and a respite from turmoil. After committing regicide, Macbeth hears a voice saying he shall sleep no more, indicating his loss of innocence and peace of mind. Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking also signifies her troubled conscience.

Animal Imagery: Shakespeare uses animal imagery to convey character traits and themes. For instance, the raven symbolizes death, and the owl is a bad omen. Banquo is compared to a “sparrow,” symbolizing his vulnerability.

Weather and Nature: The play often uses weather and natural disturbances to reflect the unnatural events occurring within the story. The stormy weather during the witches’ meetings, the unnatural darkness during the day, and the disturbance in nature following Duncan’s murder all symbolize the disruption of the natural order.

Supernatural Imagery: The witches, apparitions, and hallucinations contribute to the supernatural imagery. These elements create an atmosphere of mystery and foreboding and symbolize the influence of dark forces on the characters’ actions.

Clothing Imagery: Clothing is used metaphorically to represent power and status. Macbeth’s ambition is likened to an oversized garment that does not fit him, indicating his unsuitability for the roles he seeks to fill.

Sickness and Disease: Imagery of sickness and disease is used to symbolize the moral decay of Scotland under Macbeth’s rule. The country is often described as sick and in need of healing, reflecting the unnatural state of affairs.

Vision and Hallucination: The motif of hallucinations, like the floating dagger and Banquo’s ghost, symbolizes the inner turmoil and guilt of the characters. These visions blur the line between reality and imagination, reflecting the characters’ moral confusion.

The Unnatural and Unusual: Throughout the play, there are references to unnatural occurrences, like horses eating each other and the day turning to night, which symbolize the disruption of the natural order due to Macbeth’s unnatural actions.

These vivid images enhance the play’s exploration of themes like guilt, ambition, and the nature of evil, and they contribute to the overall dark and foreboding atmosphere of the tragedy.

Criticisms of Macbeth

“Macbeth,” while widely celebrated as one of Shakespeare’s most powerful tragedies, has also been subject to various criticisms over the years. These criticisms often focus on thematic interpretation, character development, and structural aspects of the play. Some of the notable criticisms include:

Overemphasis on the Supernatural: Some critics argue that the play’s heavy reliance on supernatural elements, such as the witches and their prophecies, diminishes the complexity of human decision-making and moral responsibility. They suggest that this focus can overshadow the play’s exploration of more human themes like ambition and guilt.

Characterization of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth: There has been debate over the depth and consistency of the main characters. Some critics feel that Macbeth’s transition from a loyal subject to a tyrant is too abrupt and not sufficiently motivated. Similarly, Lady Macbeth’s transformation from a ruthless instigator to a guilt-ridden, fragile figure is seen by some as lacking in psychological depth.

Historical Inaccuracy: Shakespeare took considerable liberties with the historical facts of the real Macbeth and the history of Scotland. While this is common in Shakespeare’s works, some critics argue that these inaccuracies may distort the audience’s understanding of the historical context.

Pacing and Structural Issues: Some critics have pointed out that the play’s pacing is uneven. The first half of the play, leading up to the murder of King Duncan, is often seen as more developed than the latter half, which can feel rushed as it moves towards Macbeth’s downfall.

Treatment of Gender Roles: The play’s portrayal of gender, particularly in the characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, has been a subject of criticism. The association of masculinity with violence and ambition, and the depiction of Lady Macbeth as a figure who defies traditional gender roles, have been both praised and critiqued for their implications and portrayal.

Moral Ambiguity: While some appreciate the moral ambiguity in “Macbeth,” others criticize it for a lack of clear moral positioning. The play’s dark themes and the portrayal of its protagonist as both a hero and a villain have led to debates about its moral message.

Use of Violence: The play’s graphic and often brutal violence, while serving to underscore its themes, has been criticized as being excessive or gratuitous.

Language and Accessibility: Like many of Shakespeare’s works, the language in “Macbeth” can be challenging for modern audiences. The dense and archaic language, while rich and poetic, can sometimes be a barrier to understanding and engagement.

Despite these criticisms, “Macbeth” remains a staple of classic literature and is widely studied and performed for its profound exploration of ambition, power, guilt, and the human psyche. The play’s enduring relevance and the debates it inspires are testaments to its complexity and Shakespeare’s mastery as a playwright.

Structure of Macbeth

Act 1: Exposition

Setting the Scene: The play opens with the eerie meeting of the three witches, setting a tone of foreboding and supernatural intrigue.
Introduction of Main Characters: Characters like Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Duncan, Banquo, and Macduff are introduced.
Inciting Incident: The witches’ prophecy that Macbeth will become king stirs his ambition, which serves as the catalyst for the ensuing drama.

Act 2: Rising Action

Development of the Plot: Macbeth struggles with his conscience but is spurred on by Lady Macbeth to pursue the throne.
Climactic Act: The murder of King Duncan marks the point of no return for Macbeth. This act sets in motion the tragic trajectory of the play.

Act 3: Climax

Turning Point: Macbeth becomes king, but his paranoia grows. He arranges the murder of Banquo and attempts to kill Banquo’s son, Fleance, who escapes.
Heightening Tensions: Macbeth’s actions increase in violence and recklessness, and his mental state begins to deteriorate.

Act 4: Falling Action

Continued Downfall: Macbeth visits the witches again and receives more prophecies, giving him a false sense of security.
Gathering Opposition: Macduff joins forces with Malcolm (Duncan’s son) in England, preparing to challenge Macbeth.

Act 5: Resolution

Culmination of the Tragedy: Lady Macbeth’s guilt leads to her madness and eventual death. Macbeth faces the final battle.
Denouement: Macbeth is killed by Macduff, and Malcolm is restored to the throne, bringing a resolution to the chaos and restoring the natural order.

Key Features of the Structure

Tight Narrative Arc: The play is known for its concise and tightly woven plot, which intensifies the dramatic impact.

Tragic Progression: The structure follows the classic trajectory of a tragedy, with the protagonist’s rise followed by a significant moral downfall and eventual demise.
Foreshadowing and Supernatural Elements: The structure is interspersed with elements of foreshadowing and the supernatural, which contribute to the ominous atmosphere and thematic depth.

Character Development: The structure allows for a deep exploration of the psychological complexity of characters, particularly Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
The structure of “Macbeth” is integral to its impact as a tragedy, guiding the audience through the psychological and moral unraveling of its main character and culminating in a powerful resolution.

Summary of Macbeth

Act One

Act 1, Scene 1: The Witches’ Meeting

Setting: A desolate place.
Summary: The play opens with three witches (the Weird Sisters) in a desolate place, discussing their next meeting. They agree to meet Macbeth on the heath after the battle is over. This short scene establishes the dark and supernatural tone of the play.

Act 1, Scene 2: A Camp near Forres

Setting: A military camp near Forres in Scotland.
Summary: King Duncan receives reports of the battle from a wounded sergeant and Ross. They describe Macbeth’s valor in battle against the forces of the traitorous Thane of Cawdor. Duncan orders the execution of the Thane of Cawdor and decides to bestow the title upon Macbeth as a reward for his bravery.

Act 1, Scene 3: The Witches’ Prophecy

Setting: A heath.
Summary: Macbeth and Banquo encounter the witches as they return from battle. The witches prophesy that Macbeth will be Thane of Cawdor and eventually King of Scotland, and that Banquo will beget a line of kings, though he will not be one himself. The witches vanish, and Ross and Angus arrive to inform Macbeth of his new title, fulfilling the first part of the prophecy. This encounter deeply impacts Macbeth, stirring his ambition.

Act 1, Scene 4: Duncan’s Decision

Setting: Forres, the palace.
Summary: At the royal palace, King Duncan expresses his gratitude to Macbeth and Banquo for their heroism. He announces that his son, Malcolm, will be his heir to the throne. Macbeth, internally conflicted, realizes that Malcolm now stands between him and the throne. He begins to contemplate dark thoughts, though he hides them.

Act 1, Scene 5: Lady Macbeth’s Ambition

Setting: Macbeth’s castle at Inverness.
Summary: Lady Macbeth reads a letter from Macbeth detailing the witches’ prophecy. When she learns King Duncan will be visiting their castle, she begins to plot Duncan’s murder to secure the throne for Macbeth. She also questions Macbeth’s nature, fearing he is too kind to seize the throne by murder. When Macbeth arrives, she persuades him to go through with the plan.

Act 1, Scene 6: Duncan’s Arrival

Setting: Before Macbeth’s castle.
Summary: King Duncan arrives at Inverness with Banquo and other lords. He comments on the pleasant and welcoming atmosphere of the castle, unaware of the murderous plans being hatched. Lady Macbeth greets them with feigned hospitality.

Act 1, Scene 7: Macbeth’s Hesitation

Setting: A room in Macbeth’s castle.
Summary: Macbeth agonizes over the plan to murder Duncan, considering the consequences and moral implications. He is torn between his ambition and his moral reservations. Lady Macbeth enters, questioning his manhood and resolve, and ultimately convinces him to proceed with their plan to murder Duncan.
This first act is crucial as it introduces the main characters, sets up the central conflict, and establishes the dark and ambitious tone of the play. The themes of ambition, power, fate, and the supernatural are all introduced and begin to intertwine, setting the stage for the tragic events that follow.

Act Two

Act 2, Scene 1: Macbeth’s Hallucination

Setting: Macbeth’s castle at Inverness.
Summary: Late at night, Banquo and his son Fleance discuss the darkness of the night. Macbeth enters, and they discuss the witches’ prophecies. After Banquo and Fleance leave, Macbeth hallucinates a bloody dagger leading him towards Duncan’s chamber. This hallucination symbolizes Macbeth’s inner turmoil and the pull of his murderous intentions.

Act 2, Scene 2: The Murder of Duncan

Setting: The same.
Summary: Lady Macbeth waits anxiously for Macbeth to return from killing Duncan. Macbeth enters, deeply shaken, having completed the deed. He is guilt-ridden and paranoid, fixated on the fact that he could not say “Amen” when a voice cried “Sleep no more!” Lady Macbeth tries to calm him and takes charge, ensuring the guards are framed for the murder by smearing them with Duncan’s blood and planting the daggers with them.

Act 2, Scene 3: The Discovery

Setting: The same.
Summary: The porter, in a comic interlude, opens the gate for Macduff and Lennox. Macduff discovers Duncan’s body and raises the alarm. Macbeth, in feigned outrage, kills the guards before they can speak. Duncan’s sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, fear for their safety and decide to flee, Malcolm to England and Donalbain to Ireland, making them suspects in their father’s murder.

Act 2, Scene 4: Suspicion Arises

Setting: Outside Macbeth’s castle.
Summary: Ross and an old man discuss the unnatural events that occurred during the night of Duncan’s murder, including darkness during the day and an owl killing a falcon. Macduff joins them, revealing that Duncan’s sons are suspected of bribing the guards to kill Duncan. Macbeth is said to be heading to Scone to be crowned king. The scene ends with Ross leaving for Scone and Macduff heading to his home in Fife, indicating his suspicion and disapproval of Macbeth.

Act 2 is crucial in the development of the play. It showcases the actualization of the witches’ prophecy through Macbeth’s actions, the deepening of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s guilt and paranoia, and sets the stage for the subsequent chaos and tragedy in the kingdom. The act also highlights the theme of appearance versus reality, as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth put on a facade to conceal their heinous crime.

Act Three

Act 3, Scene 1: Macbeth’s Fear of Banquo

Setting: Forres, the palace.
Summary: Macbeth, now king, is uneasy and feels threatened by Banquo’s presence and the prophecy about Banquo’s descendants. He arranges a royal banquet and hires two murderers to kill Banquo and his son, Fleance, to secure his power.

Act 3, Scene 2: Unease in the Royal House

Setting: The palace.
Summary: Lady Macbeth expresses her unhappiness despite their rise to power, sensing that something is amiss. Macbeth hints at his plans to deal with Banquo and Fleance, saying that his mind is full of scorpions. He keeps the details of his plan from Lady Macbeth, showing a shift in their relationship.

Act 3, Scene 3: The Murder of Banquo

Setting: A park near the palace.
Summary: The murderers lie in wait and attack Banquo and Fleance. Banquo is killed, but Fleance manages to escape. This partial failure means that Macbeth’s throne is still not secure.

Act 3, Scene 4: The Banquet and Banquo’s Ghost

Setting: The palace.
Summary: At the royal banquet, Macbeth learns of Banquo’s death and Fleance’s escape. He sees Banquo’s ghost sitting in his place at the table, though no one else can see it. Macbeth’s erratic behavior alarms the guests. Lady Macbeth tries to cover for him, but the banquet ends in disarray. Macbeth resolves to visit the witches again.

Act 3, Scene 5: The Witches and Hecate

Setting: The heath.
Summary: This scene, often considered an addition by another playwright, features the witches meeting with Hecate, the goddess of witchcraft. Hecate scolds them for meddling with Macbeth without her involvement and plans to lead Macbeth to his ruin.

Act 3, Scene 6: Suspicions of Macbeth

Setting: Somewhere in Scotland.
Summary: Lennox and another lord discuss the recent events. They express their suspicions about Macbeth’s involvement in the murders of Duncan and Banquo. They also mention that Macduff has gone to England to seek help from Malcolm to overthrow Macbeth.

Act 3 is crucial as it shows Macbeth’s increasing paranoia and descent into tyranny. His relationship with Lady Macbeth begins to deteriorate, and his actions set in motion the opposition that will eventually lead to his downfall. The themes of power, guilt, and the supernatural continue to be prominent.

Act Four

Act 4, Scene 1: The Witches’ Second Prophecy

Setting: A cavern.
Summary: Macbeth visits the witches, who show him three apparitions. The first, an armed head, warns him to beware of Macduff. The second, a bloody child, tells him that no one born of a woman will harm him. The third, a crowned child with a tree in his hand, says he will not be vanquished until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane Hill. Macbeth is also shown a line of kings resembling Banquo, confirming the prophecy about Banquo’s lineage. Macbeth learns that Macduff has fled to England and, in anger, decides to kill Macduff’s family.

Act 4, Scene 2: The Murder of Macduff’s Family

Setting: Fife, Macduff’s castle.
Summary: Lady Macduff and her son discuss Macduff’s flight to England, which has left them vulnerable. A messenger arrives, warning them of danger, but it’s too late. Murderers sent by Macbeth kill Lady Macduff and her children.

Act 4, Scene 3: England

Setting: England, before the King’s palace.
Summary: Macduff meets Malcolm in England. Malcolm, distrusting Macduff at first, tests his loyalty. Once convinced, Malcolm agrees to return to Scotland to fight Macbeth. Ross arrives from Scotland and initially hesitates but eventually informs Macduff of the slaughter of his family. Grief-stricken and enraged, Macduff vows revenge against Macbeth.

Act 4 is significant for several reasons. It shows Macbeth’s increasing reliance on the prophecies and his descent into further tyranny and madness. The brutal murder of Macduff’s family marks a turning point, showcasing Macbeth’s complete moral decay. The scene in England sets the stage for the final conflict, with Malcolm and Macduff preparing to confront Macbeth. Themes of fate, power, and retribution are heavily emphasized in this act.

Act Five

Act 5, Scene 1: Lady Macbeth’s Descent into Madness

Setting: Dunsinane, inside the castle.
Summary: A doctor and a gentlewoman observe Lady Macbeth sleepwalking. In her sleep, Lady Macbeth reveals her guilt over the murders of Duncan, Banquo, and Lady Macduff. She tries to wash imaginary bloodstains off her hands, showing her deep psychological torment. This scene highlights the consequences of guilt and the irreversible nature of her and Macbeth’s actions.

Act 5, Scene 2: The Scottish Forces Gather

Setting: The country near Dunsinane.
Summary: Scottish lords Menteith, Caithness, Angus, and Lennox join forces with the English army led by Malcolm and Macduff. They discuss Macbeth’s tyrannical rule and his fortification of Dunsinane Castle, preparing for the battle to overthrow him.

Act 5, Scene 3: Macbeth’s False Confidence

Setting: Dunsinane, inside the castle.
Summary: Macbeth prepares for the siege, confident in the witches’ prophecy that he cannot be killed by anyone born of a woman. He is informed of Lady Macbeth’s strange behavior but is too preoccupied with the battle preparations to pay much attention.

Act 5, Scene 4: The Approaching Army

Setting: Country near Birnam Wood.
Summary: Malcolm orders his soldiers to cut down branches from Birnam Wood to use as camouflage, unwittingly fulfilling part of the witches’ prophecy that Macbeth will not be vanquished until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane.

Act 5, Scene 5: The Fall of Macbeth Begins

Setting: Dunsinane, inside the castle.
Summary: Macbeth learns of Lady Macbeth’s death and reflects on the futility and brevity of life. A messenger reports that he saw Birnam Wood moving toward the castle, which shakes Macbeth’s confidence.

Act 5, Scene 6: The Battle Commences

Setting: Dunsinane, before the castle.
Summary: Malcolm, Macduff, and their army, disguised with the branches, approach the castle. They discard their camouflage and prepare to attack.

Act 5, Scene 7: The Fight for Scotland

Setting: Another part of the battlefield.
Summary: The battle begins. Macbeth kills Young Siward. Macduff searches for Macbeth, determined to kill him.

Act 5, Scene 8: Macbeth’s Downfall

Setting: Another part of the battlefield.
Summary: Macbeth and Macduff finally confront each other. Macbeth boasts that he cannot be killed by any man born of a woman, but Macduff reveals that he was “from his mother’s womb untimely ripped” (born by Caesarean section) and thus not of woman born. Macbeth realizes the witches have tricked him but refuses to surrender. They fight, and Macduff kills Macbeth.

Act 5, Scene 9: Malcolm is King

Setting: Inside the castle.
Summary: Malcolm, Siward, Ross, and the other thanes gather. Macduff enters with Macbeth’s head, hailing Malcolm as King of Scotland. Malcolm invites all to see him crowned at Scone, promising to restore order to the kingdom.

Act 5 resolves the play’s central conflicts and concludes the tragic arc of Macbeth. The themes of ambition, fate, and retribution are brought to a close, with the moral order restored through Malcolm’s ascension to the throne.