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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.
- Macduff
Macbeth has already learned that Birnam Wood did move, as...
- Macbeth
Shakespeare uses Macbeth to show the terrible effects that...
- Banquo
Banquo is Macbeth’s brave and noble best friend, as well as...
- Genre
Tragedy. Macbeth represents a classic tragedy in that its...
- Allusions
SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year...
- Setting
Macbeth is set during the 11th century in Scotland, in the...
- Antagonist
Duncan opposes Macbeth by holding the throne Macbeth...
- Symbols
Symbols are objects, characters, figures, and colors used to...
- Macduff
The play begins with the brief appearance of a trio of witches and then moves to a military camp, where the Scottish King Duncan hears the news that his generals, Macbeth and Banquo, have defeated two separate invading armies—one from Ireland, led by the rebel Macdonwald, and one from Norway.
- 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...
And like a rat without a tail, 10 I’ll do, I’ll do, and I’ll do. FIRST WITCH. A sailor’s wife had chestnuts in her lap, And munched, and munched, and munched. “Give me,”. quoth I. “Aroint thee, witch!” the rump-fed runnion cries. Her husband’s to Aleppo gone, master o' th' Tiger;
Point of View. Macbeth opens not with the main character, but with a scene between the three witches, creating a distance between the audience and Macbeth and his wife. After this brief scene, however, we see the action mostly from the point of view of Macbeth and Lady 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?
Sep 5, 2023 · 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...
