Austin Young

Period 1B

2/9/11

Play Analysis
Play Title: Macbeth

Playwright: Shakespeare

Type of Play: Dramatic

Number of Characters: Men: 13

Women: 6

Major Characters: Macbeth - Macbeth is a Scottish general and the thane of Glamis who is
led to wicked thoughts by the prophecies of the three witches, especially after their prophecy
that he will be made thane of Cawdor comes true. He is easily tempted into murder to fulfill his
ambitions to the throne.

Lady Macbeth - Macbeth’s wife, early in the play she seems to be the

stronger and more ruthless of the two, as she urges her husband to kill Duncan and seize the
crown. Lady Macbeth falls victim to guilt and madness to an even greater degree than her
husband. Her conscience affects her to such an extent that she eventually commits suicide.

Banquo - Noble general whose children, according to the witches’

prophecy, will inherit the Scottish throne. In a sense, Banquo’s character stands as a rebuke to
Macbeth, since he represents the path Macbeth chose not to take: a path in which ambition
need not lead to betrayal and murder. It is Banquo’s ghost that haunts Macbeth.

Macduff - A Scottish nobleman hostile to Macbeth’s kingship from the

start. He eventually becomes a leader of the crusade to unseat Macbeth.

Important conflicts in the play: Macbeth meets the witches, whom tell him the future.

Macbeth kills the king

Macduff is killed by hired assassins but Malcolm escapes

Banquo’s ghost haunts Macbeth

 Lady Macbeth Kills herself

Soldiers take branches and march to the castle

Macbeth is killed by Macduff

Malcolm becomes king

Climax: When Macbeth finds out that Macduff was not born of a women but was born through
a C-section.

Major Theme: The major theme of Macbeth is destruction will happen when ambition goes
unchecked by moral constraints.

Plot Summary: King Duncan's generals, Macbeth and Banquo, encounter three strange women
on their way home from a rebellion. The women prophesy that Macbeth will be given the title
of Thane of Cawdor and then become King of Scotland, while Banquo's heirs shall be kings. The
generals want to hear more but the weird witches disappear. King Duncan makes Macbeth
Thane of Cawdor in thanks for his success in the recent battles and then proposes to make a
brief visit to Macbeth's castle. Lady Macbeth receives news from her husband of the prophecy
and his new title and she vows to help him become king by any means she can. The Macbeths
plot together and later that night, while all are sleeping and after his wife has given the guards
drugged wine, Macbeth kills the King and his guards. Lady Macbeth leaves the bloody daggers
beside the dead king. Macbeth is elected King of Scotland, but has feelings of guilt and
insecurity. He arranges for Banquo and his son to be killed, but the boy escapes the murderers.
At a celebratory banquet Macbeth sees the ghost of Banquo. Macbeth then seeks out the
witches and learns from them that he will be safe until Birnam Wood comes to his castle. They
tell him that he need fear no-one born of woman, but also that the Scottish succession will
come from Banquo's son. Macbeth embarks on a reign of terror and many, including Macduff's
family are murdered, Malcolm and Macduff decide to lead an army against Macbeth. Macbeth
feels safe in his remote castle 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 the
castle. Meanwhile Lady Macbeth, walks in her sleep and gives away her secrets to a listening
doctor. She kills herself as the final battle commences. Macduff challenges Macbeth who, on
learning he was a c-section birth, realizes he is doomed. Macduff triumphs and brings the head
of the traitor to Malcolm who declares peace and is crowned king.

Personal Reaction: I personally believe that power corrupts the mind of human kind. In this play
Macbeth was told by the witches he was to become king therefore Macbeth got the idea in his
mind and let it spread as if it were a disease. He was soon overcome by the thought and was
corrupt. I believe Macbeth should have not killed the king and have never listened to what the
witches said because corruption of the mind is a powerful tool and will ruin your life.
Sources: Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. New York: Washington Press, 1992