MacBeth notes

Written by William Shakespeare – probably the most famous/successful playwright of all

time.

Tragedy -- a serious play showing the downfall of a main character (protagonist)

generally due to their tragic flaw.

Downfall – something that the character loses that is important (love, job, social status,
life)

Tragic flaw – the character flaw (defect) in the personality of the protagonist that will
bring about their downfall in the end.

Examples of tragic flaws – lack of confidence, someone who goes too far (doesn’t know
limit), no self-discipline, overconfident (hubris), greed (power, money, glory), arrogance
…

Romeo’s tragic flaw was that he was too impulsive (didn’t think things through about
love – had no clue what it really was.). Juliet was too naïve about dating and fell for the
first guy who flirted with her.

Classic story – one that has a useful theme that stands the test of time

Romeo and Juliet is a classic story. Teenagers still argue with parents and think they
know best, even though it was written over 400 years ago.

MacBeth is a classic story because people still fight and do crazy things to get power and
status so many centuries later.

Start on first page of MacBeth book :

A play for the king –

Author’s craft – Shakespeare was really popular. He wrote for Queen Elizabeth until
she died, then wrote for King James (originally from Scotland). It was a political time.
He couldn’t be successful if they didn’t approve of him. So he kissed up to them to keep
working. He also wrote all his plays in poetry form. VERY CLEVER. Could you read
an article and then write a song about it to explain it? Not TOO hard. Ok – now could
you keep that song explaining for 2 full hours (typical length of a play). All in the same
POEM? That is crafty.

Explain inspiration of this story (and most of his plays) was history or modern day
events.
Poetic license is the literary term that explains how/why he changed the story from
history to fit the King he was writing for. (Made his ancestor a good guy and added
witches because he liked them.)

Divine Right of Kings explained here. Reinforce with information that there was no
separation between church and state at this time (during original event or when
Shakespeare had it performed).

Tragic flaw can be deduced here by working backward a bit from his downfall.
Downfall – lost love, friendship, respect and his life
ACT that caused downfall – murder of the king
Motive – to gain the crown/throne
Tragic Flaw – MacBeth was power hungry (greed for power)

Theme – major one is CRIME DOESN’T PAY

Read through summary of major characters so they get a preview of what will happen to
whom.

Have students copy down story map and label it with both story map labels and the acts
in the play
Exposition = Act I
Rising action = Act II
Climax = Act III
Falling action = Act IV
Resolution = Act V

 Explain how all stories follow this recipe (short stories, plays, movies, tv
shows, chapter books, etc…)
 What if a story didn’t have a climax? HORRIBLE.
 What if a story ended with climax (cliffhanger) – maybe part of series, but
would have to continue and resolve at SOME point.

Just before Act I – go over character list and refresh their memories of what characters
will do what and why. If Duncan is killed, why is MacBeth made king and not Malcolm
or Donalbain? (have them guess – they run away in fear for their lives) Notice
MacBeth and Banquo are listed together here. They are close buddies until… (Duncan’s
murder). This is different than what happened in history (remind them of political reason
Shakespeare changed Banquo’s character). A THANE is a nobleman – someone in
charge of a small area but reports to the king. Kind of like a duke or earl in England.
Like a marquis in France (T2C). Similar to all the mayors of the cities and towns
reporting to a governor of a state – who reports to the president.

**When reading – read the ENTIRE page (footnotes on left side will help you to translate
the old language). Read the play dialogue on the right AND all the stage directions as
well so you know what is going on.
You have to record scene summaries of the story as well (like chapter summaries). I
will check these for a grade.

Go with notes in annotated copy of the play. Listen to CD during class as well.

3 Tools for Translating Scenes

1) Summaries (2 in book) tell you what you should find there
2) Footnotes (left side of pg.) for specific words/lines
3) Dictionary (book or internet) to look up unfamiliar words/terms

***Points to discuss:

Act I (cover very thoroughly)

Scene 1
Why are witches in the play? (Poetic license in order to have someone ‘put the
idea’ of killing the king in his head.)

Scene 2

How many battles are being fought here?

2

Battle #1
Scotland vs. MacDonwald
MacBeth and his group
Banquo of Scottish
All soldiers rebels
For King
Duncan
Scotland won
NOTE how Macdonwald was killed…

Battle #2
Scotland vs. Norway
MacBeth Norwegian
Banquo soldiers
All soldiers with help
For King of Scottish
Duncan traitor (Thane
Of Cawdor)
Scotland won
NOTE how surprising this attack was
Explain what is happening pg. 3 and pg 4 – old Thane of Cawdor

Scene 3
Predictions:
1) Thane of Glamis (he was already this – appointed by king)
2) Thane of Cawdor (prediction, but made no sense since there was already one)
3) King (of Scotland) – (prediction, but made no sense because Duncan was king
by Divine Right and he had heirs)

Banquo is jealous – they aren’t talking to him. What is his prediction from the
witches? He won’t be king, but his kids will (generations)

Their initial reaction is not to believe it, to make fun of the witches. But then…

When messgr. comes with news about Thane of Cawdor it gets MacBeth thinking
(probably Banquo too). So prediction #2 comes true EARLY ON!!! You
KNOW he must be thinking about #3.

Note how he was NOBLE and loyal at beginning… but now that changes…. He is
tempted by the witches.

Irony with Thane of Cawdor: old thane betrayed the king by giving battle plans
to the enemy (in battle MacBeth miraculously won). ---- now who is betraying
the king (if only in thought)?

Banquo warns MacBeth not to trust witches too much….

Leads to MacBeth’s internal conflict: fair or foul

Fair: if this is so bad, how come it came as a reward for doing an
honorable job defending the king and country?
Foul: if this is so good, how come his heart is knocking in his chest at the
dark thought of killing the king?

He decides not to do ANYTHING to make it happen, if it is meant to be, it will

happen on its own.

Scene 4
Why would Duncan name Malcolm heir to the throne now? Close call today in battle?
Seeing his own demise?

What does this mean to MacBeth? (pg. 11 bottom) --- another obstacle to overcome….
To become king.

Where are they all going tonight? To MacBeth’s to party --- he leaves early to tell his
wife.
Scene 5
Analyze marriage of MacBeth’s –
Letter shows equality (rare at that time). He was a manly warrior, she was
obviously loved and admired by him in her own right. He NEVER mentions killing the
king.

She comes up with idea of killing king on her own. Says he is too weak to do it (milk of
human kindness). How is he weak? (Conscience is too strong to do something so evil
for his own gain.) Is she right about him? Yep. She knows him well.

IS this the ONLY way they can get the throne? No – just the quickest way…

Msgr. Tells her king is coming tonight and her husband will arrive soon. She is now
pressured for time to come up with a plan, convince her husband and do it all before the
king leaves… she prays to demons to ‘unsex her’ …

MacBeth arrives – she greets him and tempts him more about king… she says he is
betraying his worry/ideas on his face and he has to learn to conceal it better, but still
plan… he says they can talk about it later (delay technique) – she says ‘leave it all to
me’.
Scene 6
This sets the mood a lot. Shows how nice the house has been in the past – pleasant,
cheery, safe (even for birds). Shows how naïve king is that he doesn’t know how to read
people or situations (thinks everything is just great).

Duncan and Lady MacBeth greet each other warmly and joke a bit about how fast
MacBeth rode home and they tried to catch up….

She is a SCARY good actress – never betraying how Machiavellian she really is…
(FORESHADOWING)!

Scene 7
MacBeth has more internal conflict here… he is having second thoughts about going
along with his wife’s plans (and his own temptations) and vascillates back and forth.

Double trust: here as my guest (I should protect him)

I am his royal subject to serve him and country honorable
By killing him I betray him twice
PLUS he is a GOOD king. Not only would the country be horribly saddened, but the
heavens would be as well (against god)
And all for ‘vaulting ambition’??

Lady MacBeth arrives and says people are wondering where he is.
He tells her he wants to bask in the honor and glory of the promotion for a while,
not lose it so soon with this horrible deed.
 She panics here – time is of the essence and she can’t waste any – it HAS
to be done tonight (home field advantage, etc…) No time to sweet talk
him into it.
She challenges him to think about his own desires again – has he forgotten? She asks if
he is a ‘coward’ –
He says he has never been a coward, is braver than any man.
WHY IS HE HAVING TROUBLE WITH KILLING??? Didn’t he just
kill Macdonwald? Isn’t he a warrior? What is the deal here? (Explain
difference)
Then she berates him for ‘breaking a trust’ to her and going back on his word about doing
this to become king. This is where she gives her own example of what horrible thing she
would do had she promised HIM… ‘love the babe that milks me… pluck it from my
breast and dash it’s brains out”
He gives in – still worrying about failure..
She says if he puts his best effort forth, they won’t fail – she has it all planned out.
1) she’ll give guards a potion and get them drunk (to make them sleep on duty)
2) he’ll go in and murder the king with the guard’s knives (framing them)
3) king will be found and murder will be placed on guards

NO CONVERSATION ABOUT MALCOLM and how he is yet another obstacle…

apparently wife doesn’t know about that.

Act II
Scene 1
Banquo and Fleance are still up after the late party. They chat – but Banquo is on
guard when he hears a noise. It’s only MacBeth (on way to kill king). Macbeth is a
bundle of nerves – hoping to be only one awake. Not happy the only other person who
knows about witches is awake too.. oh and wants to chat about the weird sisters (like
MacBeth asked him to earlier). But now isn’t a good time to MacBeth… so he lies and
says he hasn’t thought about them. Banquo is suspicious and says he will chat later as
long as it doesn’t cost him his honor….
MacBeth tells a servant to have Lady ring bell when his drink is ready (alibi)…
then sees the floating dagger. At first it is clean… but heading toward king. MacBeth is
freaked out, but follows it. Then it is bloody and he still follows it – knowing that he is
going to hell for committing this murder. He feels like Tarquin (pg. 21 ln. 55)… but still
doesn’t take this warning
NOTICE – there are no witches here, and no wife talking in his ear. He does this
COMPLETELY on his own knowing how he is going to feel after. This is proof that the
guilt lies with him… he may have been influenced, but he has ‘tragic flaw’ and gave into
it.

Scene 2
Lady MacBeth is freaking out in her room wondering what is taking her husband
so long. He isn’t taking too long, but her nerves are making her crazy. She is thinking
she should have just done it herself – but he reminded her too much of her father, as he
(king) was asleep, so she couldn’t.
 There is a noise, then MacBeth comes in… and he asks if she heard it.
He is all bloody and not happy about it – but she sees it as reaching their goal. He
is paranoid now… apparently the guards woke in the middle of it. (that would make just
about anyone have an ‘accident’ – but couple that with GUILT and he is a wreck.)
He can’t say ‘amen’. She warns him not to dwell on it or it will ‘make us mad’.
And then he says he heard some voice say he had murdered sleep (talks about how
important sleep is).
She is telling him this is all in his head and then realizes HE BROUGHT THE
DAGGERS WITH HIM!!! She tells him to return them, but he can’t see the horrible
scene again. So SHE does it.
While she’s gone we hear knocking at the gate. MacBeth is trying to wash the
blood off his hands and gives the ‘my hand will rather making the multitudinous seas
incarnadine, making the green one red’ line…
She returns with blood on her hands – washes them and wants to act as if they just
woke up…
He is feeling horribly guilty: “Wake Duncan with thy knocking! I would thou
couldst!”…

Scene 3
Drunken porter serves as comic relief here. Macduff and Lennox are at the door.
The king asked to be woken early to get started home. Macduff goes in to wake the king
and Lennox and MacBeth chat outside the bedchamber.
Lennox talks about what a crazy night it was (unnatural). Then Macduff comes
out in a state of panic and shock – talking about the ‘new gorgon that would ruin their
sight’ (dead king). MacBeth acts surprised. Macduff rings alarm bells to wake everyone
up.
Lady MacBeth comes out wondering what is going on… Macduff dares not tell
such a ‘gentle lady’ (IRONY). MacBeth says aloud that he wishes he had died an hour
earlier and his entire life would have been ‘blessed’ – but this event has ruined it (speaks
from his heart/regret).
King’s sons hear the news from Lennox (who had earlier gone in with MacBeth)
that apparently the guards killed their father. Then MacBeth apologizes that he killed
them out of fury/loyalty for the king. (And also they were still drugged AND would deny
doing it AND might have seen him.) Lady MacBeth is surprised by this – worried, even.
She faints at the news (ironically not at hearing of king’s death).
Malcolm and Donalbain speak privately – murderer is still there, probably lying
in wait for their blood. The need to leave NOW and separately. The exit without saying
goodbye to anyone. (Dramatic irony that we know WHY they left, but no one else does.)

Scene 4
This is a catch-up scene. Ross is talking to an old man about how ‘unnatural’ the
night of Duncan’s death was. Old man saw a falcon kill an owl hawk. Ross recalls the
king’s horses going nuts and eating each other.
Then Macduff comes into the conversation. Apparently the king’s sons arranged
their father’s murder. With them out of the picture, MacBeth will be crowned king
(Macduff isn’t going). And King Duncan will be buried.
Act III
Scene 1
Banquo is suspicious (based on witch’s predictions) that MacBeth played a nasty
role in getting crowned king. He wants to wonder if his predictions will also come true,
but denies that temptation (FOIL).
MacBeth and his wife come in – preparing for the big ‘yeah you’re the new king’
dinner for that evening. MacBeth is FULL of questions for Banquo – where are you
going, how long will you be gone – almost ‘which road’… (preparing for the
ambush/murder). Banquo and his son, Fleance, are going, but will be back in time for the
dinner to honor MacBeth.
When Banquo leaves, MacBeth gets bitter thinking about all he has risked to
become king… only to have it for such a short while and then turn it all over to Banquo’s
sons forever more. He isn’t pleased with that thought. And he is even more upset that
Banquo could be ‘on to him’ since he knows of the witches to begin with.
The murderers come in to speak with MacBeth (at his calling). MacBeth has met
with them before and told them how Banquo tricked people and isn’t really a good man.
Now he tells them that he is a cancer that must be killed for the good of Scotland. He
would have him killed publically BUT (he doesn’t dare allow Banquo to speak the truth)
certain people are loyal to both he and Banquo and it would be difficult for him to be
responsible for that. So doing it quietly is better. Oh – and kill Fleance too!

Scene 2
Lady MacBeth is talking to herself and admitting that it just wasn’t worth it.
They invested everything they had to becoming king/queen – thinking that it would bring
them happiness, but they are more miserable than ever. Her conscience is really
bothering her. MacBeth enters and they talk – almost envious that Duncan sleeps fitfully
in his grave and they are tortured.
He is toying with her. He keeps mentioning Banquo and hinting that he has a
plan, but won’t tell her. This shows how their relationship has changed from him telling
her everything and taking her counsel – to regretting listening to her (although he acted
on his own) and not telling her his plans. He says sometimes it is better not to know…

Scene 3
Three murderers show up to ambush Banquo and Fleance. The third was also
hired by MacBeth, but separately (supposedly to show that MacBeth isn’t trusting
anyone).
They kill Banquo, but Fleance escapes. Murderers leave to tell King MacBeth.

Scene 4
Everyone arrives for the big ‘yeah you’re the king’ party at the MacBeth’s castle.
Things start off well… and then MacBeth spots the murderers – so he goes off to chat
with them.
They tell him that Banquo is dead, but Fleance escaped. He returns to the party.
And is asked to sit down. BUT (dum dum dummmm) the table appears full to MacBeth
because the Ghost of Banquo has taken the king’s seat at the table. The only one to see it
is MacBeth (his wife doesn’t even know of the murder).
 He is NOT entertained that they are playing a trick on him by asking him to sit.
He yells at them. Ross notices that he isn’t well and Lady MacBeth panics – goes into
damage control mode. She thinks he is talking about the king and says he has talked to
himself since he was young, and it doesn’t last long. She says that if you draw attention
to it he will be offended.
Lady MacBeth talks to him privately and tells him to snap out of it – that it is all
in his mind and he is LOSING it. She is sure he is seeing Duncan’s ghost because she
has no clue about Banquo – and she’s worried he is going to give away the crime. She
tells him to snap out of it.
Then the ghost disappears and MacBeth is ‘normal’. He explains to her that he is
seeing a ghost and it appeared so REAL. She reminds him of the guests all staring at him
– and he apologizes, says he feels like a man again, and offers a toast to Banquo who
obviously isn’t there yet.
And with that the ghost reappears. And MacBeth starts hollering at it, talking
about how gory it is…
The ghost disappears and he is looking more crazy than ever. Lady MacBeth is
really mad and said he spoiled everyone’s mood… He gets mad at her that he is the one
suffering for everything and she just isn’t even trying to understand what he is going
through.
Ross asks if he can help, what sights did he see… and Lady MacBeth is worried
her husband will spill the beans, so she asks everyone to leave immediately.
Once alone MacBeth is ‘normal’ and mentions that Macduff wasn’t there – and he
will have to ask the weird sisters about him tomorrow. He is relying more and more on
them…. Both he and his wife realize he is losing his mind because of lack of sleep.

Scene 5
This scene is guessed to have been added after Shakespeare’s death…
Witches are meeting privately and discussing how vulnerable and fragile
MacBeth (and most humans) are. He used to think for himself and do as he thought right
because it was the unknown that caused him to take a cautious manner – or fearless (to
fight for his life). But now that he has ‘knowledge’ from the witches on his side he is
careless, unthinking and relying on them too much because he thinks they are a ‘sure
thing’ – security.

Scene 6
This scene is important for setting up the war scene. If we were under the
impression that everyone in Scotland was backing MacBeth as king, we would feel
sympathetic for him being attacked. But here we find out that he isn’t doing a good job
at all.
Lennox and the other guy are suspicious of MacBeth. They are not buying that
Duncan’s sons had him killed. Or that Fleance killed his father. People are going hungry
in Scotland now and fighting constantly. Macduff has been called a traitor, but it is
known that he went to England to find the rightful king, Malcolm. Someone told the king
(MacBeth)…
The men are praying for Macduff’s safety and for Malcolm’s return. And hoping
the tyrannical reign will end soon.
Act IV
Scene 1
The witches are brewing up more ‘good stuff’ and then one of them senses
something wicked approaching (MacBeth).
He is demanding answers – as if he has control. They toy with him a bit and ask
if he wants to speak to their masters… he says yes (hubris).
One after another, spirits rise from the cauldron to spit out information for him.
The first one tells him to ‘Beware Macduff, Thane of Fife’. He has suspected this on his
own and wants to engage the spirit for more information, but it disappears.
The second spirit tells him that he doesn’t have to worry about being harmed by
anyone ‘born of woman’ – which in his mind is everyone. He is relieved and confused
now – thinking he doesn’t really have to worry about Macduff (since everyone is born of
woman) but thinks it is best just to kill him and be doubly certain.
The third spirit tells him not to worry until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane –
which he is certain can’t happen.
The witches are about done with their session, but he is clamoring on about
Banquo, so the spirits decide to humble him… they show him 8 generations of Banquo’s
face (descendants) as kings. Macbeth is NOT pleased…
Then the witches disappear again. MacBeth is looking for them and Lennox
comes up on a horse. He tells the new king that Macduff is in England. MacBeth speaks
to himself and decides to kill everyone at Macduff’s house (wife, children, servants,
whomever) as punishment for not being loyal to him. He plans to kill Macduff when he
gets a chance too – but probably not with his own hand.

Scene 2
Ross shows up to warn Lady Macduff that her husband may be in trouble with the
king. Ross talks about how the best intended are seen as traitors now, the world is topsy-
turvy since MacBeth took over. He warns her that she could be in danger and isn’t sure if
Macduff left out of fear or wisdom (to get help).
Lady Macduff feels completely betrayed by her husband’s abandonment of her
family. She is angry and reeling from the news when her son comes in and wants to talk
about what is happening. She kind of bashes her husband’s reputation to the son, but he
sees the love behind it and argues with her.
A messenger shows up and tells her she is in grave danger and she should leave
immediately with her family. She has no means to leave, and obviously no time –
because murderers show up. They ask after her husband and she defends him to them.
Then they kill her son and her (and everyone else in the house).

Scene 3
MacDuff heads to England to try to get help to get MacBeth off the throne. He has no
clue Malcolm (prince of Cumberland, rightful king) is already there doing just that.

MacDuff tells of all the hardships in Scotland since MacBeth took over (no food, etc.)
Tells of the dishonesty and murder theories.
Malcolm isn’t sure he can trust MacDuff – maybe MacDuff is there to bait him so
MacBeth can kill him like he killed his father? He decides to lie to MacDuff about his
qualities to see if he takes the bait.

He tells MacDuff that Scotland is better off with MacBeth as the ruler.
MacDuff argues.
He says he has many vices that would ruin Scotland. #1 – none of the women would be
safe with him in power. He would be with all of them, and if they weren’t willing, he
would rape them (even wives, children, etc).
MacDuff says many kings have been this way – no big deal. There are enough
women to satisfy his needs and as king he is sure rape wouldn’t be necessary.
Malcolm says he is greedy and will take all the land, gold, homes, valuables, jewels etc
that belong to everyone in the country…. The more he has the more he would want.
MacDuff says only younger men are so lusty and the greed makes sense, but
Scotland is wealthy enough to have plenty to keep him happy – and just at the
castle, so no taking from others will be necessary.
Malcolm gives the piece de resistance here -- seems as if MacDuff will agree to anything
to get him to go back with him (more suspicion) – so let’s up the ante. Says he has no
graces of positive things – and by being king he would upset the universe (peace).
He says, what do you think now?
MacDuff has been hoping for the best, but this is just too much to bear. He says
Malcolm isn’t fit to LIVE let alone to rule… He is ashamed that such a horrible
man came from such a great king and honorable queen… and he weeps for
Scotland because it seems to be a lost cause now.
This is where Malcolm comes clean and fesses up that he was just lying to test
MacDuff’s loyalty (to MacBeth or to Scotland?). He says he is still a virgin and has done
all he could to make his parents pleased and proud of who he has become.
MacDuff needs some time to process all this. Then a ‘doctor’ comes in and has a
‘cure’ for the disease (MacBeth).

It turns out, Malcolm has been at work (already) to overthrow MacBeth and take back
Scotland. King Edward (England) has given Siward (general) and 10,000 men to use for
the battle. MacDuff is thrilled that the plans are already underway…

Then Ross shows up. Macduff asks after his wife and children and Ross tells them all are
well. Ross tells them things have gotten worse in Scotland, overall. Malcolm tells him
of the military support from England and that is great news. Macduff senses more that
isn’t being told. He pushes and Ross tells him his family has been massacred by
MacBeth. Macduff is in shock, and is horribly grieved. Malcolm tells him to take it out
in the battle – revenge. Macduff agrees, but can’t take revenge since MacBeth doesn’t
have any children he can kill. He will fight it like a man and grieve it like a man…

Act V
Scene 1
The maid went to get a doctor’s help with Lady MacBeth – who is sleepwalking
and ‘washing’ her hands to rid them of the blood that has stained them. She is reliving
the murder of the king – and all the while talking freely of the old man’s blood, mocking
her husband’s reluctance to kill him, Macduff’s wife (and family) and Banquo. She is
giving WAY too much information about all these murders…
The doctor said she won’t live long. The maid is glad her heart is at ease in her
chest, and no racked with guilt and insanity.
Meanwhile, Lady MacBeth washes her hands and yells at the spots of blood to
come out.
The doctor and maid agree to keep this information secret – even though they
have heard rumors that this might be true. Who could they tell, the king (MacBeth)??
Nope.

Scene 2
The Thanes are making plans to meet up with Malcolm/Macduff/English military
at Birnam Wood. They are anxious to take over the castle, but it has to be planned
carefully once they are all together and can arrange it.

Scene 3
MacBeth is getting rather nervous. He knows trouble is brewing, but instead of
doing something, he is feeling too ‘secure’ with the predictions of the witches – and
keeps repeating them (born of woman, woods to castle).
He hears that soldiers are in the area. 10,000 (to be exact). He knows they are
from England, that Macduff was successful there and they are going to attack. MacBeth
realizes that it is too late to set a goal to have friends, respect, etc… and that if he is to
live, great. But he is ready to die as well. He asks for his armor.
The doctor comes in – MacBeth is trying to multitask … but really doesn’t have
time to worry about or tend to his wife. The doctor said she is ‘troubled’ and lacking
sleep – it isn’t an illness, per se. MacBeth wants her cured of it – ‘that which weighs
upon the heart’. (Doctor must know he was in on the murders too.) The doctor says the
cure must come from the patient (no hope for MacBeth, then).
MacBeth tells the doctor that ‘the thanes fly from me’ – meaning all those closest
to him are now against him. He tells doctor that if he cures his wife he will brag about
him forever. Asks if there is anything to get rid of the English. Then he tells doctor he
isn’t worried: ‘I’ll not be afraid of death and band till Birnam forest come to Dunsinane’.

Scene 4
Malcolm and his men meet up with the other thanes in Birnam Wood. They are
trying to discuss some type of strategy to approach the castle. Malcolm suggests that
they each cut down a portion of branches (leaves) to use as camouflage so that they aren’t
seen approaching from too far off. The less time MacBeth has to prepare, the better.

Scene 5
Inside the castle, MacBeth is sure they can’t even get in – and that they will starve
outside before he is ever harmed. He isn’t planning to go out to meet them because some
of his own are out there…
A woman cries out. MacBeth isn’t even really startled since he is almost used to
dreadful things at this point. Then news comes that the noise was the death of his wife.
 MacBeth isn’t really sure how to react. He is sad, but realized that she would
have died sooner or later anyway. And then he is overcome a bit – that her life wasn’t the
same in the recent past – ‘out, out, brief candle!’ – that she died too soon.
And MacBeth is interrupted by a messenger – regretting his unsure news. He
claims that the woods seem to be moving closer to the castle, but is aware that sounds
INSANE. MacBeth is FURIOUS! (Crap, foiled again by those witches!)
He realizes that it must be true, that another of their predictions will come true,
regardless of how it has bolstered him of late. And now he starts to wonder about what
else could be true but not in the way he expected… he realizes his death is most likely
near, but he will die fighting.

Scene 6
The soldiers are close enough to the castle to be known, now, so Malcolm orders
them to throw down the tree boughs (branches) and reveal themselves.
Macduff and young Siward are going to lead everyone. They blow the trumpets
and charge in.

Scene 7
They are fighting – and MacBeth is laughing at everyone by saying they were
‘born of woman’ (still clinging to that last prediction, and still not thinking enough for
himself to realize it is a play on words that will end up badly for him as all the others
have).
Young Siward attacks him – and they fight. MacBeth wins and taunts him in
death with the words of the witches ‘born of woman’. He is really feeling ‘secure’ and
full of himself.
Then Macduff enters. He is angry and calls MacBeth out to him – to avenge the
death of his family. Malcolm and Old Siward tell him the castle is open now… and to
go in and find his revenge. (It will be ‘his’ kill.)
MacBeth comes into the scene – and admits to avoiding Macduff – and tells him
to leave him alone, that MacBeth has too much blood of his family already.
They fight and MacBeth taunts him – that he can make him bleed, but nothing
else because he is immune to those born of woman. And here is the great news –
Macduff says, well then, prepare to die because I ‘was from my mother’s womb
untimely ripped’ (he was born c-section).
MacBeth isn’t pleased at this news. And he thinks he is going to refuse to fight.
But Macduff calls him a coward….
MacBeth realizes what could be coming. He swears he will not follow Malcolm –
and yet has seen the woods come to the castle, and has met one not born of woman…
He is going to rely on his own wits now, and live as he knows – as a fighter – to
the end.
The fight…

Meanwhile, Old Siward is told that his son died fighting – ‘hurts before’ meaning
he didn’t die trying to run away. He will be buried as an honorable soldier.
But where is Macduff? He comes in with MacBeth’s head…
 Malcolm is VERY pleased. Macduff hails him as king. Malcolm promotes all
the thanes who supported him to EARLS – He talks about the end of MacBeth’s reign,
and that rumor has it his wife killed herself… and invites everyone to see him crowned
the new/rightful King of Scotland.

So how do Banquo’s descendants get to be king???

Where is Donalbain???