Macbeth : Summary

Plot Summary- English

The Witches’ Prophecy and the Plan to Kill King Duncan: At the beginning of the play, three witches want to meet Macbeth. Meanwhile, King Duncan’s army, led by General Macbeth, wins the battle against the enemy, and this news is conveyed to King Duncan. Hearing this, King Duncan is very pleased. After the war, as Macbeth and Banquo are returning, the three witches greet them and make prophecies about Macbeth and Banquo. They say Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and later, King of Scotland.

About Banquo, the witches say that he will be the father of kings, meaning his descendants will become kings. After speaking these prophecies, the witches disappear. Then, Ross and Angus meet Macbeth and Banquo and inform them that Macbeth is to become the Thane of Cawdor—that is, he has been promoted. Hearing this, Macbeth is astonished, since just a while ago the witches had prophesied the very same thing. Macbeth thinks that if this prophecy came true, the rest of it—him becoming king—will also come true.

Macbeth writes a letter to Lady Macbeth, telling her everything. Then, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are happy to hear that King Duncan will visit them as a guest. At that moment, Lady Macbeth decides to plan King Duncan’s murder to become queen. She knows Macbeth would never kill King Duncan on his own. Since the present king is alive, she must make the plan herself; otherwise, she can never become queen. Like a professional, Lady Macbeth devises the murder plan for King Duncan.

Killing King Duncan and Declaring Macbeth as the New King: According to Lady Macbeth’s plan, Macbeth kills King Duncan. Although at first he does not want to, under his wife’s influence, Macbeth murders the king. The plan was for Lady Macbeth to get Duncan’s guards drunk so that the blame could be placed on them, while Macbeth would stab the sleeping King Duncan to death. Since King Duncan was staying as their guest, it was not difficult to approach and kill him. The next morning, as part of his duty, Macduff comes to meet King Duncan and discovers his dead body. At first, he cannot believe his eyes.

Hearing Macduff’s cries, everyone gathers there. Suddenly, Macbeth kills the king’s guards to hide his own crime, pretending that he did so out of love for Duncan. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth act as if they are just as innocent as children, pretending they had nothing to do with the murder. After this crime, the king’s two sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, flee to other countries out of fear that they might also be killed like their father. Because of their escape, everyone starts to suspect that they might have killed their own father. As a close associate, Macbeth declares himself the new king.

The Murder of Banquo, Macbeth’s Abnormal Behavior, and the Witches’ Prophecies Again: At the beginning of this act, Macbeth sends two hired killers to murder Banquo and his son, Fleance. Later, he sends a third to make sure the job is done properly. The reason for killing Banquo and Fleance is that Macbeth does not want them to create any trouble for his rule. By chance, Fleance escapes, but Banquo is killed. Meanwhile, Macbeth organizes a royal banquet at his palace with all the nobles. During the banquet, Macbeth starts to behave abnormally, because he sees Banquo’s ghost—something only he can see, while the others cannot.

Seeing Macbeth’s behavior, the guests begin to leave one by one. Lady Macbeth tries to calm everyone by explaining that this is just a recurring illness of her husband’s and that he will soon be fine. In this way, she handles the situation for the time being. After this, Macbeth seeks out the three witches again to hear more prophecies. The witches warn Macbeth to beware of Macduff. They also make further predictions:

• First, that no one born of a woman can harm Macbeth;
• Second, that he will not die until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane Castle.

When Macbeth asks about Banquo, they show him a procession of eight kings in Banquo’s image, meaning Banquo’s descendants will become many future kings. Macbeth is angered by Banquo’s prophecy, but is pleased with what he believes about his own future. Meanwhile, Macduff goes to England and meets Malcolm.

The Murder of Macduff’s Family and Malcolm’s Decision to Attack Macbeth: In this act, Macbeth hires murderers who go and kill Macduff’s family. Meanwhile, Malcolm, after testing Macduff’s patriotism, agrees to attack Macbeth with the help of English forces.

Death of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, and Malcolm as the New King: Meanwhile, Lady Macbeth suffers from sleepwalking, tormented internally by her crimes. Then Macbeth finds out that the English forces are attacking his kingdom and that his wife is dead. He is troubled on both fronts. Malcolm orders his men to cut branches from Birnam Wood to use as camouflage as they march toward the castle, so that Macbeth’s army cannot estimate their numbers. This strategy makes the witches’ prophecy—“Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane Castle”—come true.

During the battle, Macbeth kills the English general’s son, Young Siward. Macduff then fights and kills Macbeth, because Macduff was not “born of a woman” in the usual way—in modern terms, he was delivered by caesarean section. Macduff reveals he was “untimely ripped” from his mother’s womb, thus fulfilling the witches’ prophecy. In the end, Malcolm ascends the throne as the new king of Scotland. And thus, the play concludes.

English Detailed Summary

Act 1, Scene 1

The Mysterious Meeting and Evil Plan of the Three Witches: In a stormy setting filled with thunder and lightning, three witches meet. They discuss meeting once more on a deserted heath after the current war ends and before sunset. There, they plan to meet Macbeth. Their conversation suggests that something ominous is coming. Finally, the witches say, “Fair is foul, and foul is fair”—meaning everything can be turned upside down. Then, they disappear into the mist and evil atmosphere. In this way, the first scene of the play begins with mystery, fear, and a sense of doom.

Act 1, Scene 2

Macbeth’s Bravery and the Thane of Cawdor’s Betrayal: A wounded captain is brought from the battlefield, through whom King Duncan of Scotland, his sons Malcolm and Donalbain, and Lennox learn about the course of the war. The captain reports that the rebel Macdonwald, with the help of Norway, led an attack. In this crisis, the brave Macbeth fights valiantly, kills the enemy, and puts his head on the castle wall.

The captain continues that after the first attack, the king of Norway launched a second assault with new soldiers and weapons, joined by the treacherous Thane of Cawdor. Still, Macbeth and Banquo displayed great bravery, relentlessly attacking the enemy until Scotland emerged victorious. Then Ross and Angus arrive and inform that the Norwegian king has agreed to pay a large sum for peace. By the king’s order, the traitorous Thane of Cawdor is sentenced to death, and his title is given to the heroic Macbeth. Duncan says, What Cawdor has lost, the noble Macbeth has won.

Act 1, Scene 3

The Witches’ Prophecy and Macbeth’s Honor: During another storm, the three witches reappear, talking about their evil deeds. When Macbeth and Banquo arrive, the witches greet them, prophesying that Macbeth will first become Thane of Glamis, then Thane of Cawdor, and eventually King. For Banquo, they prophesy that he will not be king himself, but his sons will be kings. Suddenly, the witches vanish.

Bewildered, Macbeth and Banquo discuss these strange prophecies. Just then, Ross and Angus come and announce that Macbeth has been given the title of Thane of Cawdor, since the previous Thane was executed for treason. The first prophecy of the witches thus comes true, astonishing Macbeth and making him start to believe he might indeed become king. Banquo warns that evil powers often tell small truths to lure people into great harm. Macbeth, however, remains conflicted, wondering whether the witches’ prophecy will come true and if he should actively pursue kingship. In the end, everyone decides to go to King Duncan together.

Act 1, Scene 4

Duncan’s Gratitude, Malcolm as Heir, and Macbeth’s Conflict: King Duncan, Lennox, Malcolm, Donalbain, and some attendants are present in the royal court. Duncan asks whether the death sentence for the Thane of Cawdor has been carried out. Malcolm reports that, before dying, the Thane of Cawdor confessed his crimes and showed deep repentance. Duncan expresses his sorrow and says that people cannot be trusted just by their outward appearance. Then Macbeth, Banquo, Ross, and Angus arrive; Duncan gives them heartfelt praise and thanks. Macbeth replies that serving and being loyal to the king is their duty. Duncan also honors Banquo equally.

Duncan then announces his eldest son, Malcolm, as the “Prince of Cumberland” and the successor to the throne, inviting everyone to Inverness. Macbeth thinks that Malcolm is now an obstacle on his path to kingship, and he wants to hide his dark intentions while making his own secret plans. At the end of the scene, Duncan and the others depart for Macbeth’s home to enjoy his hospitality.

Act 1, Scene 5

Lady Macbeth’s Ambition and the Plan to Murder Duncan: Lady Macbeth enters the stage alone and reads a letter from Macbeth, which tells her about the witches’ prophecies and his new title as Thane of Cawdor. After reading the letter, she realizes that Macbeth has a chance to become king, but her husband is too gentle by nature—he might hesitate to take the hard but necessary path of becoming king.

At this moment, a messenger arrives and informs her that King Duncan and Macbeth will be visiting their castle that night. Lady Macbeth, excited, prays to evil spirits to take away her womanly softness and fill her with cruelty and determination, so that she can act without mercy or remorse.

When Macbeth comes back, he tells her that Duncan will leave the next day. Lady Macbeth clearly says that for Duncan, this night will be fatal—she wants them to get the crown through Duncan’s death. She tells Macbeth to look like an innocent flower on the outside, but to be like a venomous serpent underneath. She is ready to take the main responsibility for this terrible plan. Even though Macbeth hesitates, Lady Macbeth tells him to leave everything to her.

Act 1, Scene 6

Duncan Arrives at Inverness Castle and Lady Macbeth’s Welcome: King Duncan, Malcolm, Donalbain, Banquo, Lennox, Macduff, Ross, Angus, and attendants arrive at Inverness Castle. Duncan and Banquo praise the castle’s pleasant environment and pure air. Banquo notes that even the birds nesting there seem to appreciate the atmosphere, suggesting that the place is peaceful and welcoming.

Lady Macbeth comes out to greet them. Duncan thanks her for her hospitality, saying that while the responsibility of hosting him may seem burdensome, he considers it a sign of love and duty. Lady Macbeth humbly says that whatever they have done to honor the king is very little compared to what he deserves. Duncan, taking Lady Macbeth’s hand, says that Macbeth holds a high place, and they are delighted by his hospitality. Duncan and the group enter the castle under Lady Macbeth’s lead.

Act 1, Scene 7

Macbeth’s Doubt and Lady Macbeth’s Persuasion for Duncan’s Murder: Macbeth enters, worried and troubled. He thinks to himself that if killing Duncan would truly solve everything, it would be better to do it quickly. But he knows that committing murder will have consequences, and he will have to pay for this brutal act. Duncan is his guest, so it is highly inappropriate to kill him. Moreover, Duncan is a just and kind king whose death would cause sorrow and compassion in everyone. Macbeth admits that apart from his ambition, there is no just reason for this murder.

At this point, Lady Macbeth enters and announces that the king has finished dinner. Macbeth tells her that he has changed his mind and will not kill Duncan. Lady Macbeth mocks him as a coward and says he must do the deed to prove his manhood. She explains that when Duncan is asleep, they will drug his two guards; Macbeth will use the guards’ daggers to kill Duncan, so the blame falls on them. Lady Macbeth makes it clear that she will push and encourage her husband to follow through with the plan. Swayed by her, Macbeth finally decides he will go ahead and kill Duncan. Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth put on an outward mask of friendship and hospitality, but inside, they are acting out a horrific plan.

Act 2, Scene 1

Moments Before the Murder—Macbeth’s Mental Weakness and Hallucinations: At night, Banquo and his son Fleance are walking outside the castle. Both of them feel uneasy in the late hours. Banquo mentions that he cannot sleep—his mind is restless, and he fears he will be haunted by bad dreams. At this time, Macbeth arrives. Banquo gives him a diamond, a gift from the queen, and reminds him about the witches. Macbeth says that he is not thinking about this now, and promises to talk more when there’s time. Banquo makes it clear that he will not be involved in any evil deeds. Banquo and Fleance then leave.

Afterward, Macbeth starts talking to himself. He struggles between his conscious and subconscious mind—he imagines a bloody dagger floating in front of him, pulling him toward Duncan’s murder. He realizes that this hallucination is caused by his mental stress and fear. He then reflects that while half the world is asleep, he is about to commit an act of treason. Finally, Lady Macbeth’s signal comes, and Macbeth resolves to go and murder Duncan right away.

Act 2, Scene 2

After Duncan’s Murder—Macbeth and Lady Macbeth Tormented by Fear and Guilt: Lady Macbeth enters the stage and says that she has drugged the king’s guards to put them to sleep. She feels bold and realizes that the plan is nearly complete. Suddenly, she is startled by a noise. At that moment, Macbeth enters with blood on his hands—he announces that he has killed Duncan. From their conversation, it is clear that after the murder, Macbeth is overwhelmed by guilt and mental turmoil; he feels he will never be able to sleep peacefully again. He thinks, “Macbeth has murdered sleep.”

Macbeth mistakenly brings the guards’ daggers away from the crime scene and is afraid to go back. Lady Macbeth bravely takes the daggers herself and smears blood on the guards so that they are blamed for the murder. Hearing noises from inside, both become panicked. Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth that just a little water will wash away all evidence of the crime. However, Macbeth believes that not even all the water in the world will remove King Duncan’s blood from his hands—his guilt and mental angst make him even more helpless. Finally, they quickly prepare themselves for bed, so as not to arouse suspicion

Act 2, Scene 3

The Discovery of Duncan’s Murder and the Dispersion of the Royal Family: At dawn, there is a loud knocking at the castle gate. A porter jokingly acts as if he is the gatekeeper of hell, cracking jokes about various sinners, adding a bit of comic relief. Finally, Macduff and Lennox enter. They ask if everyone is still asleep. Macduff announces that he has come to wake King Duncan. Macbeth shows him the way to the royal chamber. Even before Lady Macbeth, Ross, and the others are fully awake, Lennox recounts how last night nature was in an uproar—storms, strange noises, and earthquakes.

Macduff discovers the horrible murder—King Duncan has been brutally killed. Everyone is shocked when they hear the news. Lady Macbeth pretends to faint. Macbeth claims that, out of anger, he killed the king’s sleeping guards. The whole event increases suspicion. Malcolm and Donalbain (Duncan’s two sons) become frightened—they realize the murderer is still nearby and no one can be trusted. For safety, Malcolm decides to flee to England, and Donalbain to Ireland. Banquo declares that everyone should work to uncover the truth and ensure justice. The royal family’s division hints at even more ominous events to come.

Act 2, Scene 4

Unnatural Signs in Nature and Macbeth’s Rise to Power: Ross and an old man are talking on stage. The old man says that in his long life, he has never experienced such a terrible and unnatural night. Ross notes that even though it is daytime, everything around is still dark—nothing is normal, and it feels as if nature itself is protesting against the horrors committed by mankind. The old man further says that a little owl (that usually catches mice) has killed a proud falcon flying high in the sky—an entirely unnatural event. Ross says that King Duncan’s swift and beautiful horses went wild, broke out of their stables, and even began eating each other—everything is pointing to abnormality.

At this moment, Macduff arrives. He informs them that the blame for King Duncan’s murder has been placed on the sleeping guards, whom Macbeth himself killed. As Duncan’s two sons have fled, everyone suspects them. Ross says that such murder is against the natural order. Macduff says that under these circumstances, Macbeth is to be crowned king and has gone to Scone for his coronation. Ross asks where Duncan’s body is, and Macduff replies that it has been sent to the traditional burial place at Colmekill. Ross plans to go to Scone, while Macduff says he will return to his own land of Fife. The scene ends amidst doubt and suspicion, with a contrast between good and evil.

Act 3, Scene 1

Banquo’s Suspicion, Macbeth’s Fear, and a Plot to Murder: Banquo reflects alone—he recalls that the witches had prophesied Macbeth would be Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and, finally, king, and all this has come true. However, he suspects that Macbeth has chosen unjust and bloody paths to fulfill those prophecies. At the same time, Banquo remembers that the witches had said his own descendants would be kings, and maybe that will come true too. Macbeth (now king), Lady Macbeth, Lennox, Ross, other lords, and attendants enter the hall. Macbeth specially honors Banquo as an important guest and requests him to attend the evening banquet. Banquo and his son Fleance mention they will ride out in the afternoon, but promise to return for the banquet.

After Banquo and the other guests depart, Macbeth finds himself torn inside—even as a king, he feels unsafe. His biggest fear is Banquo, because Banquo’s integrity and the witches’ prophecy that his sons will be future kings haunt Macbeth. All the murders and plots thus far seem only to ensure Banquo’s descendants benefit. Macbeth cannot bear this. He calls for two killers and cunningly convinces them that Banquo and Fleance are enemies. Macbeth wants to use them because killing Banquo openly would make everyone suspicious of him. He also instructs that Fleance must be killed along with Banquo, so that no potential heir remains. The killers agree, and Macbeth promises to give them further instructions at the right time.

Act 3, Scene 2

Guilt, Fear, and the Hint of Another Murder: Lady Macbeth learns that Banquo is still away but will return at night. She wants to speak to Macbeth. She says that though they have achieved what they wanted, true happiness and peace are missing—in fact, living in constant crime and worry is worse than death. When Macbeth enters, Lady Macbeth sees that he is now wandering alone and is restless. She encourages him to forget the past and focus on the future—what’s done is done. Macbeth replies that they have only wounded the snake, not killed it; they are still in danger. Their sleep and their lives are filled with nightmares and constant fear—while Duncan can now rest in peace, they cannot.

Lady Macbeth urges them to act cheerful in front of their guests at tonight’s banquet. Macbeth agrees and says they must especially be kind to Banquo until their plan is complete. He confides that Banquo and Fleance’s living is still a big threat to him, but does not tell Lady Macbeth his full scheme; he only hints that something dire will happen that night. He reminds her that once evil begins, it keeps getting worse. Lady Macbeth, though left in the dark, promises to keep a happy face and goes out with her husband.

Act 3, Scene 3

The Murder of Banquo and Fleance’s Escape: Three killers are waiting in the designated place—one of them is new and was sent directly by Macbeth. In the dark, Banquo and his son Fleance approach with a torch. The three murderers attack Banquo and Fleance. Before he dies, Banquo tells Fleance to escape and take revenge one day: “Fly, Fleance! Someday, avenge me!” Banquo is killed, but Fleance escapes into the darkness. The killers feel their job is incomplete—they managed to kill Banquo, but Fleance’s escape leaves a political problem for Macbeth. They hurry off to report the incident to Macbeth.

Act 3, Scene 4

Banquo’s Ghost at the Banquet, Mental Distress, and Repeated Guilt: A royal banquet is being held in the palace with Macbeth and Lady Macbeth presiding over the guests. A murderer informs Macbeth that Banquo has been killed, but Fleance has escaped. This causes Macbeth to feel fear and anxiety once more—he realizes that as long as Fleance is alive, his own safety and kingship are uncertain.

Suddenly, during the banquet, Banquo’s bloody ghost appears to Macbeth—visible only to him. He becomes so terrified that he starts shouting out loud, astonishing everyone. Lady Macbeth tries to manage the situation; she rebukes her husband and assures the guests that the king often behaves like this and will soon recover. The ghost reappears, further disturbing Macbeth—he cries out for Banquo’s ghost to leave, inadvertently revealing his guilt and fear.

After the lords leave, Macbeth says, “Blood will have blood”—he realizes there is now no turning back. Deeply troubled, he decides he must visit the witches again for more answers and begins to suspect that Macduff is plotting against him. Lady Macbeth encourages him to get some rest, but both realize that the path of their crimes is only becoming longer and more terrifying.

Act 3, Scene 5

Hecate’s Rebuke and a New Trap for Macbeth: When the three witches gather, Hecate (the goddess of witchcraft) confronts them angrily. She says the witches made fatal prophecies for Macbeth without her permission, and she is annoyed, for she, the mistress of evil, had no say in this plan. Hecate says Macbeth is selfish and only cares about his own interests. That is why Hecate demands the witches meet her at the pit of Acheron (the entrance to the underworld) in the morning, where Macbeth will come to learn his fate.

She adds that she will prepare a powerful magical potion using a cursed drop hanging from the moon, which will create new illusions and evil spirits. Hecate’s plan is for Macbeth to become overconfident through these deceptions, leading him to make the wrong decisions and ultimately cause his own downfall. Before leaving, Hecate says, “Security is mortals’ chiefest enemy.” The witches hurry to make preparations since Hecate will return soon.

Act 3, Scene 6

Suspicion, Conspiracy, and Rebellion: Lennox and another lord are talking. Lennox analyzes the past events with a touch of sarcasm. Although he pretends not to suspect Macbeth openly, his tone is filled with irony and doubt. Duncan’s sons have been blamed for Duncan’s murder, and Banquo too was killed (and since Fleance escaped, suspicion falls on him as well). Macbeth quickly killed Duncan’s bodyguards, pretending sorrow, but all these events are being looked at suspiciously.

The other lord informs Lennox that Duncan’s son, Malcolm, has received a warm welcome and protection in England, and Macduff has also gone to England to seek King Edward’s support. The goal is to join English power to free Scotland from Macbeth’s tyranny, so people can eat, sleep, and live freely again. Hearing this, Macbeth is outraged and is preparing for war. Lennox hopes that God will send a heavenly messenger for Scotland before Macduff returns to court. Both men leave, praying for Scotland’s liberation.

Act 4, Scene 1

The Witches’ Terrifying Prophecies and Macbeth’s New Cruelty: In a stormy environment, the witches are brewing a terrifying magical potion with various animal parts and poisons in their cauldron, preparing new horrors. Hecate arrives, encourages the witches, and warns that Macbeth will soon arrive and be further deceived. When Macbeth appears, he demands prophecies about his future. The witches summon powerful spirits who tell him:

• An armed head tells Macbeth, “Beware, Macduff! Beware the Thane of Fife!”
• A bloody child tells him, “Fear not, Macbeth. No man that’s born of woman, Shall e’er have power upon thee.”
• A crowned child with a tree says, “Macbeth shall never vanquished be until Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill Shall come against him.”

These words make Macbeth overconfident and arrogant. He then asks whether Banquo’s line will rule the kingdom. The witches show him a vision of eight kings (one holding a mirror) and finally Banquo, symbolizing that Banquo’s descendants will rule for generations and eventually include English kings. This leaves Macbeth completely frustrated and terrified. The witches suddenly disappear. Lennox arrives and tells Macbeth that Macduff has fled to England. Furiously, Macbeth decides to attack Macduff’s castle, to go to Fife and brutally murder Macduff’s wife, children, and all his family—he will no longer hesitate; thought and action will be one for him now.

Act 4, Scene 2

The Brutal Murder of Macduff’s Family: Lady Macduff, her son, and Ross are talking together. Lady Macduff complains that her husband fled the country for no reason—she sees it as cowardice and a lack of love for the family. Ross explains that times are very cruel and people are in deep crisis, but he cannot say much more and quickly leaves.

A conversation between Lady Macduff and her son reveals simple and ironic questions about what betrayal means and who betrays whom. Then, a messenger arrives and warns them to escape at once. Lady Macduff, in despair, says she did nothing wrong—but understands that in this world, even good deeds can be dangerous.

Then, the murderers enter, looking for Macduff. They insult Lady Macduff as the wife of a traitor. When Macduff’s young son protests, he is brutally stabbed before her eyes. As Lady Macduff tries to escape, the murderers attack and murder her as well. The entire scene is a display of cruelty, ruthless politics, and the complete destruction of a family.

Act 4, Scene 3

Malcolm and Macduff Unite in England, Vow Resistance, and Macduff’s Grief: Malcolm and Macduff discuss their helplessness and Scotland’s misery in England. At first, Malcolm does not fully trust Macduff—he tests him by claiming to possess all sorts of evil qualities like limitless lust, greed, and a lack of kingly virtues. Malcolm suggests he might be an even worse ruler than Macbeth! Macduff grieves for Scotland. Then Malcolm reveals that he is not truly like that—he is pure, honest, and determined to free Scotland.

Relieved, Macduff agrees to join forces under Malcolm’s leadership to save Scotland. They also hear about King Edward of England’s miraculous healing powers and receive the good news that the English army is coming to support them. At this moment, Ross arrives from Scotland with sad news—he tells Macduff that his wife, children, and entire household have been brutally killed. Macduff is devastated—at first, he cannot believe it. Then, turning his grief to anger, he vows to take revenge on Macbeth—there is now no turning back from war. Malcolm urges him to use his grief as strength. Having lost his family, Macduff swears revenge and justice.

Act 5, Scene 1

Lady Macbeth’s Guilt-Induced Madness and Crisis of Spirit: A doctor and a gentlewoman are talking—the gentlewoman tells the doctor that for several nights, Lady Macbeth has been getting up from bed in her sleep, writing things, and then returning to bed while remaining deeply asleep. The doctor is astonished that she acts as if awake while actually sleeping, and the gentlewoman hesitates to repeat what Lady Macbeth says in her sleep.

At that moment, Lady Macbeth enters in a sleepwalking trance with a candle in her hand. She keeps rubbing her hands, saying, “There is still a spot!”—as if the bloodstain and her guilt go beyond sleep into her waking life. In her sleep, she mutters, “Who would have thought the old man (Duncan) had so much blood in him?”—“The Thane of Fife had a wife. Where is she now?” and also mentions Banquo’s murder, showing she knows about the crimes committed.

Lady Macbeth’s restless and troubled state and her overwhelming guilt have broken her spirit. She laments, “All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand.” The doctor and gentlewoman realize that this madness caused by guilt can only be cured by God—she needs spiritual healing, not just medical help. The doctor says all dangerous objects should be kept away from her, and she must be watched constantly, fearing her condition may worsen.

Act 5, Scene 2

United Resistance—The Rebel Army’s Advance Against Macbeth: Menteith, Caithness, Angus, Lennox, and some soldiers are talking. They report that Prince Malcolm of England, his uncle Siward, and the brave Macduff are leading the English forces into Scotland. These leaders burn with the desire for revenge on behalf of their oppressed families and country. Everyone agrees that they will march toward Birnam Wood to meet up with Malcolm’s forces. Caithness says that Macbeth is strongly fortifying Dunsinane Castle and is viewed as either ‘mad’ or a ‘fearless lunatic.’ In reality, everyone in the kingdom is now rebelling against his rule.

They all think that Macbeth is now realizing the weight of his secret murders and betrayals surrounds him at every moment—his self-confidence and popularity are gone. United, they decide to follow true leadership, ready to purify the country with their own blood, clear out the weeds, and make flowers bloom. The army then marches together toward Birnam Wood.

Act 5, Scene 3

Pride, Sadness, and the Signs of Decline—Inside Macbeth’s Castle: Macbeth is present with his attendants. News comes that the enemy (the English and Malcolm’s forces) are advancing. But Macbeth is confident—according to the witches’ prophecies, “no harm can come unless Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane” and “no man born of woman can harm him,” so he sees himself as invincible. He declares that, no matter how many flee or betray him, he has nothing to fear. Then, a terrified messenger reports that ten thousand soldiers are approaching. Macbeth scoffs and calls them all the English army, ordering his attendants to prepare for battle.

Meanwhile, Seyton confirms the troubling news—rebellion, and everyone is abandoning him. Macbeth, disheartened and depressed, realizes that at the end of his life, he has nothing but curses, false praise, and loneliness instead of the honor and love he once hoped for.

Macbeth becomes agitated, insists on putting on his armor early, and acts irritably out of suspicion and fear. He asks the doctor if Lady Macbeth’s madness can be cured. The doctor responds that there is no medicine for this—it is a suffering that one must overcome personally. Frustrated, Macbeth says, “Throw medicine to the dogs!” and is obsessed with action. The doctor, in his mind, only wishes he could escape from there.

Act 5,Scene 4

The March of Birnam Wood—The Beginning of the Prophecy’s Fulfillment: Malcolm, Siward, Macduff, and their forces reach the outskirts of Birnam Wood. Menteith announces that the forest ahead is indeed Birnam. Malcolm devises a clever plan: every soldier will cut a branch and carry it in front of him so that the opposing army won’t be able to gauge their true numbers and will be confused. The soldiers quickly start doing this with everyone’s agreement.

Everyone assumes that Macbeth is still defending Dunsinane Castle. Malcolm notes that no one willingly supports Macbeth anymore—some serve only out of fear or compulsion. Macduff cautions that the truth of everything will be proven in the outcome. Siward says that when the time comes, the real measure of what they deserve and owe will become clear—speculation is useless; only battle and bloodshed will decide everything. The soldiers advance carrying branches—thus, the witches’ prophecy (“Macbeth will fall when Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane”) begins to come true.

Act 5, Scene 5

Lady Macbeth’s Death, The Meaninglessness of Life, and the Prophecy’s Manifestation: Inside Dunsinane Castle, Macbeth is preparing for battle, leading his troops, and is convinced of the castle’s strength. Suddenly, a scream of women is heard inside. His attendant, Seyton, goes to investigate and returns with the news that the queen (Lady Macbeth) is dead. Macbeth, in poetic fashion, reflects on the meaninglessness, brevity, and inevitable death in his famous “Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow…” soliloquy, expressing his loneliness and lack of joy in victory—he scorns life as “a tale told by an idiot.”

At this moment, a messenger arrives and says that Birnam Wood appears to be moving—soldiers are advancing with branches, just as the witches’ prophecy described. Macbeth is stunned by this news—his confidence and comfort are shattered—“So that’s the trick in the witches’ double-talk!” Escape is now impossible, and battle is unavoidable. In the end, Macbeth declares: “Let destruction come—we’ll die like warriors in the end!”

Act 5, Scene 6

The Final Battle Preparations of the Resistance Forces: Malcolm, Siward, Macduff, and the soldiers reach the castle with branches from Birnam Wood in hand. Malcolm orders everyone to discard their branches and show themselves in their true numbers. Malcolm assigns his uncle Siward and Siward’s son to lead the first attack; Macduff and Malcolm will take charge of the other divisions.

Siward says that if they face the tyrant’s army tonight and cannot overcome them, they will count themselves as failures. Macduff declares, “Blow all the trumpets!”—let the sound herald blood and death. Everyone prepares to rush into the final battle; the drumbeats and calls of war sound continuously.

Act 5, Scene 7

The Final Battlefield—Macbeth’s Defense and a Turn of Fate: Macbeth realizes he is like a caged animal—a bear that cannot escape and is forced to fight until the end. He believes, according to the witches’ prophecy, that no one but a man “not born of a woman” can harm him. At this moment, Young Siward (Siward’s son) approaches and asks the name of the fierce warrior before him. Macbeth proudly says his name—Siward responds in disgust, saying he hates even hearing it. They fight, and Macbeth kills Young Siward, feeling reassured that he need not fear anyone “born of a woman.”

Meanwhile, Macduff enters, loudly proclaiming his determination to find Macbeth—he says that if anyone else kills Macbeth, the ghosts of his wife and children will haunt him forever. Macduff sets off with resolve, desperately seeking only Macbeth. On the other hand, Malcolm and Siward announce that the castle is almost won—Macbeth’s soldiers are surrendering, and victory is imminent. The time has come to enter the castle.

Act 5, Scene 8

The Fall of Macbeth, Ruthless Revenge, and the Crowning of a New King: In the final battle, Macbeth comes to the stage and declares that he will not take his own life; as long as his enemies are alive, he will keep fighting. Macduff arrives, shouting, “Brave Macbeth, face me now!” Macbeth admits he has always avoided Macduff because he carries the guilt of Macduff’s family’s blood. As their duel begins, Macbeth claims, “I am protected by a spell—no man born of a woman can kill me.”

Macduff responds, “I was delivered early by caesarean section—so the witches’ promise means nothing now!” Macbeth is crushed, curses the witches for their double meanings, yet refuses to surrender and leaps into combat. The two fight, and in the end, Macduff kills Macbeth and carries his head from the battlefield.

Then, Malcolm, Siward, Ross, and others enter—Siward hears of his son’s death and is proud, as he died bravely in the frontline battle. Macduff arrives with Macbeth’s head, declaring the age of tyranny is over—“Now Scotland is free.” Everyone hails Malcolm as the new king. Malcolm bestows the title of “Earl” on his loyal soldiers for the first time in Scotland and pledges to recall those who fled the country out of fear or oppression. He promises justice, peace, and a new era of rule. All follow Malcolm to the coronation at Scone—thus the play ends.