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Learn about the plot, characters, themes, and quotes of Macbeth, one of Shakespeare's darkest and most psychologically intense plays. Explore the study tools, quizzes, flashcards, and graphic novel adaptations of Macbeth on SparkNotes.
A concise and comprehensive overview of Shakespeare's Macbeth, a tragedy about a Scottish general who murders his way to the throne and is haunted by guilt and prophecy. Learn about the characters, themes, plot, and historical context of this classic play.
- Summary: Act 1: Scene 1
- Summary: Act 1: Scene 2
- Summary: Act 1: Scene 3
- Summary: Act 1: Scene 4
- Analysis: Act 1, Scenes 1–4
Thunder and lightning crash above a Scottish moor. Three haggard old women, the witches, appear out of the storm. In eerie, chanting tones, they make plans to meet again upon the heath, after the battle, to confront Macbeth. As quickly as they arrive, they disappear. Read a translation of Act 1: Scene 1
At a military camp near his palace at Forres, King Duncan of Scotland asks a wounded captain for news about the Scots’ battle with the Irish invaders, who are led by the rebel Macdonwald. The captain, who was wounded helping Duncan’s son Malcolm escape capture by the Irish, replies that the Scottish generals Macbeth and Banquo fought with great cou...
On the heath near the battlefield, thunder rolls and the three witches appear. One says that she has just come from “[k]illing swine” and another describes the revenge she has planned upon a sailor whose wife refused to share her chestnuts. Suddenly a drum beats, and the third witch cries that Macbeth is coming. Macbeth and Banquo, on their way to ...
At the king’s palace, Duncan hears reports of Cawdor’s execution from his son Malcolm, who says that Cawdor died nobly, confessing freely and repenting of his crimes. Macbeth and Banquo enter with Ross and Angus. Duncan thanks the two generals profusely for their heroism in the battle, and they profess their loyalty and gratitude toward Duncan. Dun...
These scenes establish the play’s dramatic premise—the witches’ awakening of Macbeth’s ambition—and present the main characters and their relationships. At the same time, the first three scenes establish a dark mood that permeates the entire play. The stage directions indicate that the play begins with a storm, and malignant supernatural forces imm...
LitCharts offers a comprehensive and concise guide to Shakespeare's Macbeth, with summaries, analysis, themes, quotes, characters, symbols, and more. Learn about the historical and literary context, the plot, the themes, and the literary devices of Macbeth.
Take the Quick Quiz. Macbeth, William Shakespeare, scene summary, scene summaries, chapter summary, chapter summaries, short summary, criticism, literary criticism, review, scene synopsis, interpretation, teaching, lesson plan.
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?
Macbeth Summary. Shakespeare’s Macbeth tells the story of Macbeth, a Scottish lord who receives a prophecy saying that he will become King of Scotland. Here are some key plot points: At his...
