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Macbeth
William Shakespeare
Study GuideNo Fear TranslationGraphic NovelMemesInfographicTeaching Guide
 Jump to:
 Summary
 Characters
 Literary Devices
 Questions & Answers
 Quotes
 Quick Quizzes
 Essays
 Further Study
 Buy Now
Macbeth, Shakespeare’s play about a Scottish nobleman and his wife who murder their
king for his throne, charts the extremes of ambition and guilt. First staged in
1606, Macbeth’s three witches and other dark imagery have entered our collective
imagination. Read a character analysis of Macbeth, plot summary, and important quotes.

Summary
Read our full plot summary and analysis of Macbeth, scene by scene breakdowns, and more.

 Summary & Analysis

 Act 1, scenes 1–4
 Act 1, scenes 5-7
 Act 2, scenes 1–2
 Act 2, scenes 3–4
 Act 3, scenes 1–3
 Act 3, scenes 4–6
 Act 4, scenes 1-3
 Act 5, scenes 1-8
 Full Book
 Full Book Summary
 Full Book Analysis
 Key Facts
 Video Summary
Characters
See a complete list of the characters in Macbeth and in-depth analyses of Macbeth, Lady
Macbeth, The Three Witches, Banquo, and Macduff.

 Character List
 Macbeth
 Lady Macbeth
 The Three Witches
 Banquo
 Macduff
Literary Devices
Here's where you'll find analysis of the literary devices in Macbeth, from the major themes to
motifs, symbols, and more.

 Themes
 Motifs
 Symbols
 Protagonist
  Antagonist
 Setting
 Genre
 Allusions
 Style
 Point of View
 Tone
 Foreshadowing
 Metaphors and Similes
Questions & Answers
Explore our selection of frequently asked questions about Macbeth and find the answers you
need.

 Are the Witches in Macbeth real?

 Did Macbeth always want to be king?
 Why does Macbeth think the Witches want to help him?
 Does Lady Macbeth commit suicide?
 How did Birnam Wood move and why was Macduff able to kill Macbeth?
 What convinces Macbeth that the Witches' prophecy is true?
 Why does Banquo not trust the Witches?
 Why does Macbeth believe he needs to kill King Duncan?
 How does Lady Macbeth persuade Macbeth to kill King Duncan?
 Why does Macbeth kill King Duncan's two chamberlains?
 Why do King Duncan's sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, flee to England
after their father is murdered?
 Why does Macbeth kill Banquo?
 How does Lady Macbeth's death affect Macbeth?
 What convinces Macbeth that he is invincible over Macduff's army?
 How does the Witches' prophecy about Banquo come true?
Quotes
Find the quotes you need to support your essay, or refresh your memory of Macbeth by
reading these key quotes.

 Important Quotes Explained

 By Theme
 Ambition
 Guilt
 Children
 Patriotism
 By Section
 Act 1, Scenes 1-4
 Act 1, Scenes 5-7
 Act 2, Scenes 1-2
 Act 2, Scenes 3-4
 Act 3, Scenes 1-3
 Act 3, Scenes 4-6
 Act 4, Scenes 1-3
 Act 5, Scenes 1-8
  By Character
 Macbeth
 Lady Macbeth
 The Three Witches
 Banquo
 Macduff
 By Symbol
 Blood
 Weather
 By Setting
 The Skies
 Scotland
Quick Quizzes
Test your knowledge of Macbeth with quizzes about every section, major characters, themes,
symbols, and more.

 Book
 Full Book Quiz
 Act 1, scenes 1-4
 Act 1, scenes 5-7
 Act 2, scenes 1-2
 Act 2, scenes 3-4
 Act 3, scenes 1-3
 Act 3, scenes 4-6
 Act 4, scenes 1-3
 Act 5, scenes 1-8
More
 Character List
 Analysis of Major Characters
 Themes, Motifs, and Symbols
Essays
Get ready to ace your Macbeth paper with our suggested essay topics, helpful essays about
historical and literary context, a sample A+ student essay, and more.

 Historical Context Essay

 Central Idea Essay
 Mini Essays
 A+ Student Essay
 Suggested Essay Topics
 What Does the Ending Mean?
Further Study
Go further in your study of Macbeth with background information, movie adaptations, and
links to the best resources around the web.

 Suggestions for Further Reading

 Related Links
 Movie Adaptations
 William Shakespeare and Macbeth Background
Purchase
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