Summary of the Play

Macbeth, the Thane of Glamis, is highly esteemed by King Duncan for his achievements in war. After a battle, Macbeth and Banquo come across three witches who predict that Macbeth will become the Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and eventually King, while Banquo’s descendants will be kings. Initially dismissive of the prophecies, Macbeth is soon informed by Duncan that he will indeed become the Thane of Cawdor due to his loyalty. Lady Macbeth, upon hearing this news, urges her husband to take matters into his own hands and become king, even if it means harming Duncan.

Though initially hesitant, Macbeth eventually agrees to his wife’s plan to kill Duncan when the opportunity arises. Lady Macbeth ensures that Duncan’s attendants are intoxicated, allowing Macbeth to carry out the murder and place the blame on them. After committing the deed, Macbeth is plagued by guilt and hallucinations, with Lady Macbeth taking charge to frame the attendants. Blaming Duncan’s sons, Macbeth becomes the new king of Scotland as prophesied by the witches.

Banquo, however, becomes suspicious of Macbeth, prompting Macbeth to eliminate both Banquo and his son to secure his throne. Despite Banquo’s death, his son Fleance manages to escape. As Macbeth hosts a banquet to celebrate his kingship, Banquo’s ghost haunts him, causing distress. Macduff, suspecting foul play, flees to England, leading to Macbeth massacring Macduff’s family in revenge. Macduff joins forces with Malcolm to overthrow Macbeth.

As Malcolm’s army approaches, Macbeth receives another prophecy from the witches, declaring that he is safe until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane and no man born of a woman can harm him. Confident in his fate, Macbeth faces the approaching armies. Lady Macbeth, tormented by guilt and madness from Duncan’s murder, dies. Macbeth’s lords desert him, and the approaching army uses trees from Birnam Wood as cover – fulfilling the prophecy. Realising his downfall, Macbeth bravely enters battle.

However, Macbeth’s fate is sealed when he encounters Macduff on the battlefield. Macbeth arrogantly believes he is invincible due to the witches’ prophecy, but Macduff reveals he was born via Caesarian section, ultimately defeating Macbeth. The play concludes with Macbeth’s death and Malcolm becoming the new King of Scotland, restoring the rightful bloodline to the throne.