Describe the scene in which Macbeth was killed.

Answer

Describe the scene in which Macbeth was killed.

In Shakespeare’s (1564-1616) famous tragedy “Macbeth” (1606), Macbeth was killed by Macduff in the final battle. This scene is set in Act 5, Scene 8 of the play.

Macbeth vs. Macduff: In this scene, Macduff and Macbeth meet on the battlefield. Macbeth is wearing his armor and still feels confident. He wants to keep fighting as long as his enemies are alive. Suddenly, Macduff enters and calls Macbeth a “hellhound.” Macbeth says he does not want to fight Macduff because he has already killed Macduff’s wife and children. He feels guilty. But Macduff is angry and replies, “My voice is in my sword.” It means he will let his sword speak for him. They start to fight.

Macbeth’s False Belief: At first, Macbeth is not afraid. He believes he cannot be killed by anyone born of a woman. He says:

“I bear a charmèd life, which must not yield

To one of woman born.”

This was a prophecy told by the witches, so Macbeth believes he is safe. But Macduff then reveals a shocking truth. He says,

“Macduff was from his mother’s womb untimely ripped.”

This means Macduff was not born naturally. He was cut out from his mother’s womb untimely, like a Caesarean section. So, he is not really born of a woman.

Macbeth’s Realisation and Death: Now, Macbeth becomes afraid. He realises the witches tricked him with double meanings. But he refuses to surrender. Macduff tells Macbeth to give up. But Macbeth says, “I will not yield.” He chooses to fight until the end. The two men fight fiercely. In the end, Macduff kills Macbeth. He cuts off his head and carries it away.

Finally, Macbeth’s overconfidence and belief in the witches’ prophecies lead to his death. Macduff becomes the hero, and Malcolm becomes the new king.