Macbeth
Macbeth Plot
Short Summary
Macbeth is a Scottish general who is loyal to Duncan, the Scottish king. But after
Macbeth meets three witches who prophesy that Macbeth will be king, the general is no
longer satisfied to remain loyal to his king.
Macbeth and his wife hatch a plot to kill the king under their own roof and accuse the
guards outside the king's bedroom for the murder. Although Macbeth has misgivings
about killing the king, his wife convinces him that it is the thing to do. Macbeth kills
Duncan with his wife's help, but he is plagued with guilt for the crime.
When Duncan's murdered body is discovered, Macbeth immediately kills the accused
guards so that he can cover his tracks. Duncan's sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, flee
Macbeth's castle in fear for their lives, and they are suspected of bribing the guards to
kill their father.
Macbeth becomes the king and takes the Scottish throne. In order to secure the throne
for his descendants, he must kill Banquo, the other army general, and Banquo's son
because the witches' told Macbeth that Banquo's descendants would have the throne
after Macbeth. So Macbeth sets a trap and hires murderers to kill Banquo and his son,
but Banquo's son escapes. Shortly after Banquo is killed on his way to a banquet at
Macbeth's palace, Macbeth is haunted by Banquo's ghost. In the middle of the banquet
he sees the ghost of the murdered man there and he makes a scene in front of the
Scottish lords who are at the banquet. This outburst makes the lords suspicious
although Lady Macbeth tries to play it off as just an illness that Macbeth has.
Meanwhile, Macduff, a Scottish noble who suspects that Macbeth murdered Duncan,
goes to England to get help to reclaim the throne.
Macbeth goes to see the witches again to learn his fate. They tell him to beware Macduff;
that he will not be defeated until Birnam wood moves to Dunsinane; and that Macbeth
will not be killed by someone born of a woman. Macbeth takes all of these signs to mean
that he is invincible (unbeatable).
In England Macduff and Malcolm, the rightful heir, join together to fight Macbeth. When
Macbeth learns of Macduff's treachery (betrayal), he sends murderers to Macduff's home
to kill his wife and children. When Macduff hears of this, his resolve to kill Macbeth
grows even stronger.
With ten thousand English troops they go to fight Macbeth. Macbeth is unafraid until he
learns that the troops have camouflaged (disguised) themselves with wood from the
Birnam forest and are moving toward Dunsinane. When Macbeth comes face to face
with Macduff he learns that Macduff was removed from his mother's womb, and was,
thus, never born. Macduff kills Macbeth and Malcolm is returned to the throne.
Detailed Summary
Act I
Also known as "The Scottish play", Shakespeare's dark, grim tragedy begins with Three
Witches in Scotland deciding to meet again after a battle being fought nearby. Thunder,
storms and the desolate heath (moor) paint a gloomy picture, setting the tone of this play and
defining an imagery of nature at war with itself, a recurring (repeated) theme in this play...
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Macbeth is introduced as the brave man who led King Duncan's forces to victory against the
traitorous (disloyal) ‫ الخائن‬Thane of Cawdor, Macdonwald and The King of Norway, in a
battle that could have gone either way were it not for Macbeth's leadership. We learn that
Macbeth killed Macdonwald himself in battle. King Duncan, overjoyed, decides to make
Macbeth his new Thane of Cawdor. The previous Thane of Cawdor will be executed.
The Three Witches establish their malicious nature before meeting Macbeth and Banquo.
The Three Witches tell Macbeth that he will be "Thane of Glamis!", "Thane of Cawdor!"
and "king hereafter" or become the King of Scotland.
Banquo learns that his descendants shall be kings. Banquo is suspicious of the Three
Witches, remembering that they often trick men. Macbeth initially agrees but when Ross and
Angus tell him he has been made the new Thane of Cawdor, Macbeth in a very important
aside (soliloquy), remarks, "Glamis, and Thane of Cawdor: / The greatest is behind."
Macbeth now first questions Banquo's on his feelings about his descendants becoming kings
and then starts thinking of killing King Duncan to make prophecy fact but later hopes fate
alone will spare him the need to kill...
Macbeth meets King Duncan, thanking him for his new title. The also loyal Banquo receives
nothing. King Duncan remarks how he completely trusted the previous Thane of Cawdor.
King Duncan announces that his son, Malcolm will be the new Prince of Cumberland.
Macbeth sees Malcolm as a threat to what he now takes seriously as his destiny to be king, a
major turning point in Macbeth's changing morality. Macbeth makes this clear by famously
(remarkably) asking in an aside (private speech) for the stars to hide their fires least they
reveal his dark and deadly purpose or intention to kill King Duncan.
Lady Macbeth learns by letter from Macbeth of the Three Witches' prophecies for her
husband, eagerly embracing (dealing) them as fact. Fearing Macbeth is too compassionate
and weak-willed to do what needs to be done (killing King Duncan), she famously asks the
gods to remove from her all signs of compassion and femininity, replacing these with cold
remorseless ruthlessness (pitiless and cruelty).
Learning from a messenger that King Duncan will stay at their castle, Lady Macbeth
enthusiastically greets this news, suggesting that she already has plans to kill King Duncan.
Macbeth and Lady Macbeth decide to speak again on the issue of the prophecies, Macbeth
still uncertain of the need to kill King Duncan.
At Macbeth's castle King Duncan arrives whilst Lady Macbeth plays the most perfect of
hostesses. King Duncan asks for the Thane of Cawdor (Macbeth) who is not yet present.
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A guilt-ridden Macbeth wrestles with his conscience, certain that he should not kill King
Duncan yet guiltily having to remind himself of all the reasons why it would be wrong.
Macbeth decides against murdering his King but Lady Macbeth belittles ‫ يُقلّ ُل من شأن‬him for
not being able to murder, threatening to take away her love for him if he does not. This
threat wins Macbeth over and Lady Macbeth outlines her plan to kill King Duncan in his
sleep while he is a guest at their castle.
Act II
Banquo and his son Fleance arrive at Macbeth's castle. Banquo is troubled by the Three
Witches' prophecy and tells Macbeth this. Macbeth pretends not to take the Three Witches
seriously.
Learning from Banquo that King Duncan is asleep, Macbeth, alone, follows an imaginary
dagger to King Duncan's bedchamber where he will kill him in his sleep... Lady Macbeth has
drugged King Duncan's guards, allowing Macbeth to kill King Duncan unchallenged.
Lady Macbeth was to have killed the King but his resemblance (similarity) to her late father
means Macbeth does the deed instead. A bell frightens Lady Macbeth and Macbeth too is
nervous, but he announces that he did indeed kill King Duncan.
Macbeth reports that the two guards cried out "'Murder!'" and later "'God bless us!'", Lady
Macbeth telling her husband not to fret (worry) over such things and the fact that is conscience
prevented him from saying "'Amen,'" as one of the guards had done...
Lady Macbeth tells her husband a little water will wash away their guilt and the two retire to
their bedroom when knocking is later heard...
Macduff, Lennox, the source of the knocking in the last scene, arrive at Macbeth's castle. News
of King Duncan's death reaches all at Macbeth's castle. Lady Macbeth faints and Macbeth in
rage kills the two drunken guards after claiming that they obviously killed their King.
These actions largely free Macbeth and Lady Macbeth from suspicion. King Duncan's sons,
Malcolm and Donalbain are introduced, both men wisely deciding to flee Macbeth's castle as a
precaution against their own murder. Malcolm will head for England, Donalbain for Ireland.
Ross speaks with an Old Man who describes various unnatural acts happening in Scotland,
perhaps the single most significant scene for the theme of nature at war with itself, which relates
to the idea of a natural order being disturbed by the death of a king, a prevalent theme
throughout this play.
We learn that King Duncan's two sons have fled, leaving Macbeth to be crowned the new King
of Scotland. Macduff, who later becomes instrumental in Macbeth's downfall, has significantly
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snubbed (ignored and insulted) Macbeth's coronation at Scone to go to Fife instead. A tone of
increasing despair for Scotland begins in this scene...
Act III
Banquo is fearful that the Three Witches' prophecies are becoming true, questioning whether
Macbeth played most foully (directly and unpleasantly)for it, or killed King Duncan to make
prophecy, fact.
Meeting with Macbeth, Macbeth continuously asks Banquo of his travel plans and those of his
son. Alone, Macbeth fears that Banquo's sons will mean his dynasty (family rule)will be shortlived; only he will become King of Scotland and not his sons who will be replaced by those of
Banquo's lineage (family).
Macbeth arranges for several Murderers to discreetly (carefully) kill Banquo and Fleance to
ensure his sons and not Banquo's become future kings...
Lady Macbeth and Macbeth speak in private. Macbeth is again plagued ( controlled) by a guilt we
thought may have vanished. Lady Macbeth attempts to strengthen Macbeth's resolve ( firmness
and resolution).
The Murderers kill Banquo but his son Fleance escapes and survives.
The Three Witches' prophecy of Banquo's sons becoming kings has not been frustrated by
Macbeth...
Macbeth and the lady are entertaining at their castle. The First Murderer arrives, announcing
that Banquo is dead but Fleance has lived. Macbeth immediately realizes the consequences of
this (his descendants may not become kings).
Macbeth famously (remarkably) sees Banquo's Ghost at his party, causing Lady Macbeth to
finish their party early to prevent further suspicions about Macbeth's sanity (mental health) and
about their role in recent events (King Duncan's death whilst a guest at their castle). Macbeth
makes his famous speech about being too covered in blood to stop killing...
Hecate, clearly in a position of command over the Three Witches, scolds her subordinates for
helping an unappreciative Macbeth.
Hecate instructs the Three Witches to make preparations for her plan to use illusion and the
Three Witches' prophecies against Macbeth. The Three Witches, eager to placate (please) their
master, eagerly make preparations, doing as they are told...
We see Lennox and a Lord discuss affairs in their kingdom. We learn from their conversation
that an army is being formed in England to fight Macbeth.
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Act IV.
A major turning point in the play. Just as the Three Witches prophesied Macbeth's ascendancy
(going up) to become King in Act I, Scene III, here they prophesies his downfall with the Three
Apparitions (visions / ghosts). The first Apparition (spirit) tells an eager Macbeth that he should
fear Macduff, saying "beware Macduff; / Beware the Thane of Fife." The Second spirit eassures
Macbeth that "none of women born / Shall harm Macbeth" and the Third spirit tells Macbeth he
has nothing to fear until "Great Birnam wood" moves to "high Dunsinane hill" near his castle.
Macbeth decides to kill Macduff to protect himself from him and takes the spirits’ words to
mean he is safe from all men since they are all born naturally and that the moving of a nearby
forest to his castle is an unlikely event.
Next Macbeth asks about Banquo's descendants , learning to his anger that they will still rule
Scotland rather than Macbeth's descendants. Macbeth learns that he cannot kill Macduff so
instead has his entire family murdered...
Lady Macduff is greeted by Ross, Lady Macduff expressing her anger at being abandoned by
Macduff for little reason when in her eyes, Macduff has done nothing requiring him to flee.
Ross leaves and after Lady Macduff tells her son that his father is dead and was a traitor, a
Messenger warns Lady Macduff to flee but Macbeth's Murderers succeed in killing Lady
Macduff's son. The scene ends with Lady Macduff fleeing for her life...
Malcolm and Macduff discuss how Scotland under Macbeth's rule is falling into despair.
Malcolm tests Macduff's integrity (honesty) by describing himself as unfit to rule.
After Malcolm had tested Macduff with increasingly unpleasant descriptions of his desire and
greed, Macduff tells Malcolm that like Macbeth, he too is not fit to rule Scotland. This delights
Malcolm who explains that he was lying; he described himself so negatively to test Macduff's
honesty. We learn that a large army is gathering to defeat Macbeth.
Act V
Lady Macbeth's insanity (being mentally ill) becomes clear... First her Doctor and a Gentlewoman
discuss Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking and talking to herself and then we, the audience see this
for ourselves.
Lady Macbeth makes her famous speech that she cannot wipe away the blood on her hands (or
her guilt), indicating that her battle to suppress (defeat) her guilty conscience has failed
completely...
Macbeth's enemies gather near his castle at Dunsinane as Macbeth strongly fortifies his castle.
We learn that Macbeth is not controlling Scotland completely.
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Macbeth prepares to boldly fight his enemies armed with the prophecy that he will only be
defeated when the nearby Birnam Wood moves on his castle. Macbeth now learns of the ten
thousand strong army against him. Seyton confirms this bad news and Macbeth put on his
armor, prepares to fight his enemies recalling the Birnam Wood prophecy once more as a source
of comfort...
With his troops loyally around him, Malcolm orders each man to cut down a branch from the
nearby Birnam Wood as his army now camouflaged under an umbrella of Birnam Wood, head
towards Macbeth's castle at Dunsinane.
Macbeth laughs off his enemies' numbers, certain of the Birnam Wood prophecy and equally
certain that his fortifications should resist any attack.
We hear a women's cry later learning that Lady Macbeth is dead. Macbeth coldly shrugs the
news that his once "dearest " is dead with complete apathy(being not interested and unwilling to do
anything to change the situation ). Macbeth learns that Birnam Wood or rather Malcolm's forces are
moving on his castle. Realizing what this means, Macbeth nonetheless defiantly (boldly) sets off
to meet his destiny...
Malcolm's men drop their leafy camouflage and the battle begins...
Macbeth fights, Siward killing him. Macbeth is now confronted by Macduff, a man he has
consciously avoided and one, he refuses to fight.
Macbeth famously exclaims that he has lived a charmed life and is unable to be killed by a man,
naturally born.
Macduff now explains that he has born by Caesarian section and the two men fight, Macbeth
dying and order being restored when Malcolm is crowned as the new King of Scotland...
Macbeth Major Characters
The Witches: The witches are the instigators of the play because their prophecies prompt Macbeth
to action. They are three sisters who trick Macbeth into believing that he is invincible, which leads
to his downfall.
Macbeth: Macbeth is a general of Duncan's army before he gets greedy and wants the crown for
himself. He murders the king and Banquo, the other general, as well as having Macduff's entire
family killed, all so that he can protect the crown. Despite his ruthlessness (crulety) to keep his
position, he is plagued by guilt for his crimes and as a result sees ghosts of his victims. Macbeth is
killed by Macduff in battle.
Duncan: Duncan is the king of Scotland who is betrayed in the beginning of the play by the Thane
of Cawdor. Duncan gives the traitor's title to Macbeth and foreshadows (predicts) the general's
betrayal. Macbeth murders Duncan and frames Duncan's guards for the murder.
Malcolm: Malcolm is Duncan's oldest son and heir to the Scottish throne. When his father is
murdered, Malcolm and his brother flee Macbeth's castle. Malcolm goes to England to seek English
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help to regain the throne that is rightfully his. In the end, he is pronounced king, and order is
restored.
Banquo: Banquo is a general of Duncan's army, and the witches prophesy that his descendants will
rule Scotland after Macbeth is king. This prophecy makes Banquo an enemy to Macbeth, so
Macbeth has Banquo murdered. Banquo's ghost haunts Macbeth at a banquet, and this vision makes
the Scottish lords suspicious of their new king.
Lady Macbeth: Lady Macbeth is Macbeth's wife. She insists that he murder Duncan and take the
throne for himself. She is the driving force behind Macbeth's plays for power, but in the end she
drives herself mad because of her guilt over the murders. She kills herself.
Macduff: Macduff is a Scottish noble who suspects that Macbeth has murdered Duncan from the
very beginning. When Macduff goes to England to support Malcolm, Macbeth has Macduff's entire
family killed at their home. Macduff is the man who finally kills Macbeth in battle.
Minor Characters
Donalbain: Donalbain is the younger of Duncan's sons. He flees for Ireland after his father is
murdered at Macbeth's castle in Inverness.
Lennox: Lennox is a Thane, a nobleman, of Scotland, seems to side with Macbeth for most of the
play, but in the end he is with Malcolm and the English soldiers who are fighting against Macbeth.
Ross: Ross is a Thane, a nobleman, of Scotland.
Angus: Angus is a Thane, a nobleman, of Scotland.
Fleance: Fleance is Banquo's son and a threat to Macbeth because he is one of Banquo's
descendants. Macbeth tries to have Fleance killed along with Banquo, but Fleance escapes.
Hecate: Hecate is the goddess of witchcraft who decides that Macbeth must be punished for his
selfishness and greed. She is the one who makes the witches present Macbeth's fortune in a way that
suggests success for him, but really outlines his downfall.
Lady Macduff: Lady Macduff is Macduff's wife. Macbeth had her and her children murdered in
their castle at Fife because Macduff sided with Malcolm and went to England to help Malcolm
garner (get and gather) support for a battle with Macbeth.
Siward: Siward is the Earl of Northumberland, general of the English forces, who helps Malcolm
fight Macbeth
Questions & Answers
Act 1
1. What are the witches planning at the beginning of the act?
 They are planning on meeting with Macbeth.
2. What does the Captain report about the battle to Duncan?
 He reports that Macbeth has fought bravely and has defeated the enemy.
3. What title is given to Macbeth for bravery in the battle?
 Thane of Cawdor.
4. What happened to the original Thane of Cawdor and why did he lose his title?
 He was executed because he had betrayed his country.
5. How do the witches greet Macbeth after the battle?
 They greet him as Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and as future King.
6. What do the witches mean when they say, 'Lesser than Macbeth, and greater. Not so happy,
yet much happier. Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none'?
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 They mean that Banquo will be greater in death than Macbeth is in life. Although he won’
be king, his sons will be kings.
7. What news is brought by Ross and Angus?
 News that Macbeth has gained the title of Thane of Cawdor.
8. What happens that causes Macbeth to recalculate his ease of becoming king?
 Malcolm becomes the Prince of Cumberland.
9. What is the significances of Lady Macbeth's "unsex me" scene?
 She wishes she was a man so that she could have power instead of her husband having it
and her having to control him.
10. What has Lady Macbeth schemed to do to the King?
 She has schemed to have Macbeth murder the king while he is sleeping.
11. Why does the King come to Macbeth's castle?
 To be the new Thane of Cawdor's guest and to congratulate Macbeth over dinner.
12. How sure is Lady Macbeth that this plot will succeed?
 She is so sure that she doesn't even consider the fact that they could fail.
More questions on Act 1
1. What is the point of the first scene literally and in reference to the whole play?
 Literally, the witches are deciding when they shall meet again. This scene sets the mood
for the entire play, and introduces several major motifs: the witches (supernatural
influences in the play), the idea of fair being foul, and the stormy fate of Scotland. The
main character, Macbeth, is also introduced by name.
2. What does Duncan call Macbeth when he hears Macbeth has defeated Macdonwald?
 He calls him "valiant Cousin! Worthy gentleman!" This is ironic, being said to the man
who will be his murderer.
3. Who is sentenced to death?
 The Thane of Cawdor is sentenced to death.
4. What do the witches predict for Macbeth? For Banquo?
 They predict Macbeth will be Thane of Cawdor and eventually the king. They predict that
Banquo will be "lesser than Macbeth, and greater, Not so happy, and yet happier" and
that his descendants will be kings although he will not be one.
5. What news does Ross bring Macbeth?
 Ross tells Macbeth that Macbeth now holds the title of the Thane of Cawdor.
6. Banquo, like Macbeth, is surprised that the witches have predicted Macbeth's new title. He is,
 however, leery. What does he say about the motives of the "instruments of darkness"?
He says they often tell of good things which may happen without telling the bad
consequences.
7. Malcolm describes Cawdor's last moments before execution. What is Duncan's reply?
 You can't tell what is in a person's heart by looking at his face.
8. Macbeth says, "Stars, hide your fires, Let not light see my black and deep desires." What are
Macbeth's desires?
 He now desires to be the king, and he realizes that something will have to be done with the
present king (and his sons) before his desires can become reality.
9. After Lady Macbeth reads the letter, what does she tell us is her opinion of Macbeth, and how
does she plan to help him?
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 In short, Lady Macbeth thinks Macbeth could be a good king, but he lacks the
hardheartedness which would allow him to get to the position. She'll talk him into it.
10. What is Lady Macbeth's "prayer" to the spirits after she learns Duncan is coming"?
 She wants to be filled with cruelty, given a hard heart and the thick blood necessary to do
what has to be done in order to make Macbeth king.
11. What advice does Lady Macbeth give Macbeth when he arrives home?
 She tells him he must learn to look innocent even when his heart is full of evil. He has to
learn to hide his true feelings.
12. What are Macbeth's arguments to himself against killing Duncan?
 Macbeth is Duncan's kinsman and his subject. Duncan is a good king and virtuous man;
he has done no particular evil. Duncan is a popular king, and his death would bring
sorrow and unrest upon Scotland.
13. What arguments does Lady Macbeth use to convince Macbeth to commit the murder?
 She tells him not to be a coward, not to say later that he "could have been" when he could
"be" king. She tells him to be a man and go get what he wants. She says if she had made
the promise to do this, that she would have killed her own baby to carry forth with her
promise.
14. What is Lady Macbeth's plan?
 She will drug the kings grooms (guards). Macbeth will then go into the king's room and
murder him in his sleep.
Act 2
1. What does Macbeth ask of Banquo at the beginning of Act 2?
 He asks Banquo to support him in fulfilling the prophesies.
2. What is Macbeth doing in his soliloquy?
 He is trying to convince himself that he is doing the right thing.
3. How guilty does Macbeth feel after committing the murder?
 He felt so guilty that he couldn't even say "Amen" to a prayer.
4. What does Macbeth wish the knocking could do?
 He wishes that it would wake Duncan from death.
5. What is the first reaction to the King's death and who does it?
 The reaction from Macduff is great horror, almost unconceivable (incredible) horror.
6. What does Macbeth do to the supposed murderers and why?
 He kills them in fury. He claims that in his great fury he killed them without thinking.
7. What symbolism does Lady Macbeth's fainting have and how is it ironic?
 It gives the people the sense that she is completely shocked that the King has been
murdered. It is ironic because she planned the entire thing.
8. Why do Malcolm and Donalbain decide to flee?
 They suspect that Macbeth murdered the King and fear that they may be the next to be
killed.
9. What meaning does the line, 'God's benison go with you, and with those that would make
good of bad, and friends of foes!' have?
 It is a warning to Ross that he should be very careful in dealing with Macbeth.
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More questions on act 2
1. What is Macbeth's lie to Banquo about the witches' predictions?
 He says he doesn't even think about them.
2. What is the signal Lady Macbeth is to give Macbeth to let him know that she has taken care of
the guards (grooms)?
 She will ring a bell.
3. What excuse does Lady Macbeth give for not killing Duncan herself?
 He looked like her father sleeping there.
4. After Macbeth kills Duncan, he goes to Lady Macbeth and is concerned about not being able
to say "Amen." What is her advice to him?
 She tells him not to think about it so much, or it will make them crazy. (Notice that she
does later, in fact, go mad and commit suicide.)
5. Then, Macbeth is worried about hearing a voice saying, "Macbeth does murder sleep." What
does Lady Macbeth then tell him to do?
 She tells him to go get some water and wash "this filthy witness" from his hands. In other
words, get cleaned up and forget about it.
6. Why won't Macbeth take the daggers back to the scene of the crime?
 He can't bear to look at Duncan again.
7. Who was knocking?
 Macduff and Lennox were knocking at the gate.
8. What three things does drinking provoke?
 It provokes "nose-painting, sleep, and urine."
9. How does Lennox describe the night, and what is Macbeth's response?
 Lennox goes through a great description of the terrible night, saying it predicted terrible,
confusing times ahead. Macbeth brushes it off by saying it was a "rough night."
10. What did Macduff discover?
 Macduff discovered Duncan's body.
11. Macduff says, "Oh, gentle lady, 'Tis not for you to hear what I can speak. The repetition, in a
woman's ear, Would murder as it fell." What is ironic about this?
 Lady Macbeth was a determining force in the death of Duncan. She is no "lady."
12. What excuse or explanation did Macbeth give for killing the guards (grooms)? What is his
real reason?
 He did it out of pain and rage, but he actually wanted to be rid of any possible witnesses
to the murder.
13. Why do Malcolm and Donalbain leave?
 They fear that the king's murderer will be after them, too.
14. Why does Ross not believe Malcolm and Donalbain were responsible for Duncan's murder?
 He says it is against nature -- both their personal natures and nature as the ruling force in
the universe.
Act 3
1. Why does Macbeth have Banquo killed?
 Macbeth fears that Banquo's children will end up with the throne and he doesn't want that
to happen.
2. Why does Macbeth hire murderers to kill Banquo?
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 He is already guilty enough from killing Duncan and doesn't want to have more guilt by
killing his friend Banquo.
3. How does Macbeth feel with his new found power?
 He is very insecure about having one of his enemies take it from him.
4. What happens when the murderers try to kill Banquo and his son?
 They kill Banquo but let his son Fleance escape.
5. What does the ghost of Banquo do to Macbeth's paranoia?
 It makes him completely insane. He knows that he can never be free of the guilt connected
with the murders of his friends.
6. How does Lady Macbeth make her husband feel better after seeing the ghost?
 She attempts to get him to go to sleep.
More questions on act 3
1. Why does Macbeth want Banquo and Fleance dead?
 He knows they suspect him of foul play, and he is furious that he has done all of the work
(so-to-speak) of becoming king, and Banquo's descendants will benefit from it.
2. What is Macbeth's plan for killing Banquo and Fleance? Does it work?
 He gets two convicted murderers to wait along the road to ambush them. The murderers
kill Banquo, but Fleance escapes.
3. Macbeth says, "The worm that's fled Hath nature that in time will venom breed, No teeth for
 the present." What does that mean?
Fleance will be a problem in the future, since he will have children who will become
kings, but for now Macbeth can let him go and deal with other things because Fleance is
of no immediate threat to him personally.
4. Who (what) did Macbeth see at the banquet table?
 He saw Banquo's ghost.
5. How does Lady Macbeth cover for Macbeth at the banquet? What excuses does she give for
his wild talk?
 She tells the guests that he often has these fits, that those who know him well have learned
to ignore them. When Macbeth really gets out of hand, she sends the guests home.
6. Who else was missing from the banquet table (besides Banquo)?
 Macduff is missing.
7. Macbeth says, "I am in blood Stepped in so far that should I wade no more, Returning were as
 tedious as go o'er." What does he mean?
There is no going back now. Macbeth is committed to this course of action, whatever
terrible things he may yet have to do.
8. What does Hecate want the witches to do?
 She wants the witches to give Macbeth some visions which will give him false
impressions, false hopes for his personal safety and the safety of his rule, so he will9.
What does Lennox think about Macbeth, Fleance, and Duncan's sons?
He thinks Macbeth is the "good guy," Fleance killed Banquo, and Duncan's sons killed the
king.
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Other Questions
1. What happened soon after the meeting with the witches
Two messengers from the king arrived with royal robes. They told Macbeth that he is now The
Thane of Cawdor. Then Macbeth and his friend, Banque traveled to the king’s castle before going
to their own homes. The king congratulated them for their victorious battle and on Macbeth’s new
title.
2. What did Lady Macbeth say to Macbeth when he told her what the witches had said, why?
She told him that he must be king and she wondered how to help bring this about. When the king
arrived, she plotted a way to murder him. She was a very ambitious woman who always wanted
greatness for her and her husband.
3. What good reasons did Macbeth have not to kill Duncan?
Firstly, the king is Macbeth’s guest and Macbeth is his host who should shut the doors against his
murder not bear the knife himself. Secondly, Macbeth is the king’s subject and the king is a noble
loving man.
4. How did Lady Macbeth change her husband’s mind?
She knew that her husband needed persuading. Although he was very ambitious, he was a man of
kindness, not of murder.
5. What did Lady Macbeth do after Macbeth had killed Duncan and the servants?
After Macbeth had killed the king and his servants, he returned with the weapons. She put the
weapons back next to the servants so that they would be accused of murdering the king. Her hands
became stained with blood; she thought that water would wash her sin.
6. Why did Macbeth become King after Duncan’s murder instead of one of his sons?
Because Duncan’s sons ran away; one to London and the other to Ireland. As the rightful heirs to
the throne had ran away, Macbeth became the King.
7. Why did Macbeth have Banque killed?
Because Banque had the knowledge and power to bring Macbeth (the king down). Macbeth ordered
two of Banque’s enemies to kill him
8.When did Macbeth see Banque’s ghost?
He saw him in the banquet when he was about to sit on the chair. Banque ghost’s head was half off
and covered in blood he was staring at its murderer. Macbeth’s face became white and he couldn’t
speak
9.What did Lady Macbeth say about his strange behavior?
She said that the king is not himself and it happens to him sometimes. She said that Macbeth would
be well soon. She also told them not to concentrate with him.
Act 1
1- What title is given to Macbeth for bravery in the battle?
Thane of Cawdor.
2- What happened to the original Thane of Cawdorand why did he lose his title?
He was executed ‫ أعدم‬because he had betrayed his country and his king.
3- How do the witches greet Macbeth after the battle?
They greet him as Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and as future king.
4- “Lesser than Macbeth, and greater, not so happy, yet much happier, thou shalt get kings, though thou be
none!” comment
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The witches said that to Banquo and Macbeth when they were returning from the battle. They mean that Banquo will be
greater in death than Macbeth is in life. He wouldn’t be king but a father of kings.
5- What is the significance ‫ ما المغزى‬of lady Macbeth’s “unsex me” scene?
She wishes she was a man instead of her husband to control him by her power and to be able to do the deed.
6- What has lady Macbeth planned [schemed] to do to the king?
Macbeth kills the king while he is sleeping.
7- Why does the king come to Macbeth’s castle?
To congratulate and honour Macbeth over dinner.
8- The first prophecy was legal ‫شرعي‬while the second wasn’t. illustrate
To be the lord of Cawdor was legal as the king himself has appointed‫ عين‬Macbeth for his bravery. But to be the king
of Scotland Macbeth has to kill Duncan and his sons.
9- How does Banquo describe the witches when he first sees them upon the heath‫?صحراء‬
He calls them “ withered” and “wild” in their attire (clothes), “ That they look not like the inhabitants o’ the’ earth,’”
and they should be women but their beards forbid (prevent) him to say that they are so, and he told Macbeth not to
believe them as they tell the truth in little things to make them commit evil deeds.
10- “ Till he unseamed him from the nave to th’chops and fixed his head up on our battlements”.
Comment
(Until he cut him in half, from his navel to his chin,And put Macdonwald’s head on top of
our fort’s wall.)
This is a report about Macbeth by the witches who were planning to meet Macbeth on his way back from the battle
victorious. That meant he was brave and cold blooded killer in the battle field and they would paint a different Macbeth
not valiant (brave) but foul.
11- The witches say “ Foul is fair and fair is foul”Which characters are “fair or foul”
(A) Foul (bad)characters :
- The witches, because they are evil.
- Lady Macbeth, because she asked Macbeth to kill the king
- Macdonwald, because he betrayed his country.
(B) Fair characters :
- Banquo and Macbeth, because of their loyalty and bravery but later Macbeth because foul because he killed the
king.
- The Captin and Duncan are fair because the Captain fought bravely and the king supports him because of his injury.
12- Why do you think Shakespeare opened Scene 3 with the witches discussing an evil deed they have
committed?
The witches are capable of creating situations that are evil and destructive, although their powers are limited and
they can’t destroy, they have the power to create an atmosphere where destruction can easily happen.
13- What prophecies [predictions] do the witches make for Macbeth and Banquo?
They said that Macbeth will be Thane of Cawdor and king, and Banquo’s sons will be kings although he will not be one.
14- “yet do I fear thy nature. It’s too full o’ the milk of human kindness to catch the nearest way.” comment
Lady Macbeth said that to herself. She feels that Macbeth is kind and he might not be able to overcome his fears to kill
Duncan. She fears his conscience change [=prevent ]his ambition to be king.
15- What are Macbeth’s arguments to himself against killing Duncan?
Macbeth is torn between his ambition and his conscience. He gives several reasons why he shouldn’t kill Duncan.
1- Duncan is his cousin. 2- He is a loyal subject to the king.
3- Duncan is his friend.
4- Duncan is his guest.
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5- Duncan is a good king and virtuous man and a popular ‫ مححبوب‬king and his death would bring sorrow and
unrest upon Scotland.
16- “Was hope drunk where in you dressed yourself? Hath it slept since? And wakes it now to look so green and
pale” comment “Was the hope you dressed yourself inDrunk? Did it go to sleep it off?”
Lady Macbeth said that to Macbeth. She is questioning Macbeth why he has changed his mind about killing Duncan. She
is asking him what has happened to his ambition.
17- What does Duncan call Macbeth when he hears Macbeth has defeated Macdonwald?
He calls him “ valiant (brave) cousin ! worthy gentleman !”
[ he doesn’t know that Macbeth will kill him]
18- What news does Ross bring Macbeth?
He told him that he became the Thane of Cawdor.
19- What does Banquo say to Macbeth about the prophecies?
He says they often tell of good things which may happen without telling the bad consequences [results].
20- “stars, hide your fires, let not light see my black and deep desires.‫ ”رغبات‬Comment
Macbeth said that to himself after Ross told him that he became the new thane of Cawdor. He desires now to be the
king he realizes that something has to be done with the present king and his son before his desires can become
reality.
21- After reading Macbeth’s letter, what’s lady Macbeth’s plan= opinion?
She thinks Macbeth could be a good king, but he lacks‫ ينقصه‬the hard heart which would allow him to get to the
position and she will take him into it.
22- What is lady Macbeth’s “prayer” to the spirits after she learns Duncan is coming?
She wants to be filled with cruelty‫تمألها القسوة‬, given a hard heart and the thick bloodnecessary to do what has to be
done in order to make Macbeth king.
23- What advice does lady Macbeth give Macbeth when he arrives home?
She tells him he must learn to look innocent even when his heart full of evil. He has to learn to hide his true feelings.
24- What arguments does lady Macbeth use to convince Macbeth to commit the crime? ‫يرتكب جريمة‬
 She tells him not to be a coward ‫جبان‬, not to say later that he “could have been” when he could “be” king.
 She tells him to be a man and go on to get what he wants.
 She says if he had made the promise to do this, that she would have killed her own baby to carry force with her
promise.
25- What’s Lady Macbeth’s plan?
She will drug ‫ تخدر‬the king’s guards. Macbeth will then go into the king’s room and murder him in his sleep.
26- How did the first prophecy come true?
When the king gave him the title Thane of Cawdor because of his bravery in wars and the original Thane of Cawdor was
executed because of his treason ‫خيانةأعدم بسبب‬.
Act 2
1- How guilty did Macbeth feel after committing the murder?
He felt so guilty that he couldn’t say “Amen” to a prayer. He wished that he could awake Duncan from death. He said
that he had murdered sleep.
He saw a dagger dripping‫ ينقط‬blood moving before him in the air,its handle was towards him.
2- What does Macbeth wish the knocking could do?
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He wishes that it would wake Duncan from death.
Who was the first to discover the murder? what was his reaction?
Macduff [lord of Fife] was the first to discover the murder. He was shocked and in great horror. Late he escaped to
England to join Malcolm as they would be the next to be killed by Macbeth.
What did Macbeth do to the supposed murderers? Why?
= What excuse or explanation did Macbeth give for killing guards (the grooms)?
He killed them in a fury. He pretended to be so angry and couldn’t control himself out of grief.
[He killed the two guards to hide his crime but really he wanted to get rid of any possible witnesses to the crime.]
What symbolism and irony is in lady Macbeth’s fainting?
It’s a symbol for her cunning‫دهاء‬. She was smooth like a snake and sad while she herself was the person who planned
and urged ‫ دفعت‬Macbeth to kill the king.
Where did Malcolm and Donalbain flee?
Malcolm fled to England and Donalbain fled to Ireland. As they suspected that Macbeth was the one who killed the king
and it would be their turn to be killed. So they escaped to form an army to fight Macbeth and regain their kingdom.
“God’s bension(blessings)go with you, and with those that would make good of bad, and friends of foes.”
Comment“God's blessings go with you; and with thoseThat would make a good situation out
of a bad one and friends of foes!”
An old man said that to Ross outside Macbeth’s castle and after the murder of the king. Macduff said he was going to
Fife and not to Sconeto attend Macbeth’s coronation but Ross said he was going there when Ross said goodbye to the
old man, the old man gave the above answer. It was a warning to Ross from the other guard to be careful in dealing
with Macbeth.]
What did Macbeth see after Banquo and Fleance leave?
He saw a dagger floating before him. It was bloody and dripping blood at its pointed end.
Why was Macbeth unable to go back to Duncan’s room?What did lady Macbeth do at that time?
He was feeling too much guilty,LadyMacbeth took the bloody dagger and stained the guards, faces and clothes to make
it was their guilt although she herself couldn’t kill the king before as she had seen something in his face that reminded
her of her father, but this time she had to go on the plan she set to fulfill her dream to be a queen.
Why won’t Macbeth take the dagger back to the scene of the crime?
He can’t bear to look at Duncan again.
What did Lennox say to Macbeth about the previous night?
He said that he had seen a bad storm which he had never seen such a fierce one before. That was a symbol that the
crime Macbeth had committed was like the storm which would destroy them all.
What’s is the signal lady Macbeth is to give Macbeth to let him know that she has taken care of the guards
[grooms]?
She will ring a bell.
What was lady Macbeth’s advice to Macbeth when he couldn’t say ”Amen”?
She tells him not to think about it so much, or it will make them crazy.
What did lady Macbeth tell him to do when he told her that he heard a voice saying “Macbeth does murder
sleep.”?
She told him to “get some water and wash this filthy witness” from his hands to get cleaned up and forget about it.
She said “And wash this filthy witness from your hand. Why did you bring these daggers from
the place? They must lie there. Go carry them, and smear The sleepy grooms with blood.”
He refused to go back to Duncan’s room again.
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15- Why does Ross not believe Malcolm and Donalbain were responsible for Duncan’s murder?
He says it is against nature. Both their personal natures and nature as the ruling force in the universe.
16- “o gentle lady, tis not for you to hear what I can speak. The repetition in a woman’s ear, would murder as it
fell.” comment
Macduff said that to lady Macbeth. He addressed her as a gentle lady but really it’s ironic as lady Macbeth was a
determining force in the death of Duncan. She is no “lady” because the crime’s effect may kill any lady.
17- “Sleep no more Macbeth! You murder sleep! Glamis killed sleep! “ comment
Macbeth heard these words after killing the king. He was so frightened that his wife blamed him.
She asked him to get some water and wash that “filthy witness” from his hands and forget all about all he had done or
he’d go crazy.
Act 3
1- Why did Macbeth hire‫ استأجر‬someone to kill Banquo?
He doesn’t want Banquo’s sons to end up with the throne as the prophecy said.
2- Why didn’t Macbeth kill Banquo by himself?
He doesn’t want to have more guilt by killing his friend Banquo as he is already guilty enough from killing Duncan.
3- What reason did Macbeth give the murders for wanting Banquo killed?
Macbeth fears for his own life if Banquo lives.
4- How does Macbeth convince the murders to kill Banquo?
He reminds them of a conversation he had with them the day before in which he showed the wrongs ‫ األخطاء‬that
Banquo had done with them in the past. He asks if they’re angry and manly enough to take revenge on Banquo.
5- What reason does he give for not killing Banquo by himself?
Banquo had the same friends and Macbeth wouldn’t be able to remain friends with them if he killed Banquo by himself.
6- Did the killers succeed in killing Banquo and his son?
No, they could kill Banquo only and his son Fleance escaped.
7- What does the ghost of Banquo do to Macbeth’s paranoia?
It makes him completely mad. He knows that he can never be free of the guilt connected with the murders [killing] of
his friend.
8- What did Lady Macbeth do when her husband saw the ghost?
She makes excuses for her husband and said that he had such visions ‫ تخيالت‬from time to time, then she asked
Macbeth to sleep after questioning his manhood. ‫رجولته‬
9- What does Macbeth say to Banquo’s ghost?
He says to the ghost that he shouldn’t blame him for the murder “ thou canst not say I did it : never shake thy gory
locks at me”.
10- What does Hecate say she is going to do to Macbeth? Why she thinks he will respond to her?
Hecate is going to create a situation that will allow Macbeth to ruin himself. The watches will make a magic potion that
will guide Macbeth’s fate by telling him the future. Hecate says mortal men can’t resist knowing the future.
11- Where has Macduff gone? Why?
Macduff has gone to England to join Malcolm’s forces to overthrow ‫ ليطيح بـ‬Macbeth.
12- What does Lennox hope for?
Lennox hopes that Scotland will be peaceful again.
13- Macbeth says “ The worm that’s fled Hath nature that in time will venom breed, no teeth for the present.”
What does that mean?
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Fleance will be a problem in the future, since he will have children who will become kings, but for now Macbeth can let
him go and deal with other things because Fleance is of no immediate threat ‫ تهديد‬to him personally.
14- Macbeth says “ I am in blood stepped in so far that should I wade no more, Returning were as tedious as go
o’er.” what does he mean?
There’s no going back now, Macbeth has committed to this course of action whatever terrible things he may yet have
to do.
15- What does Hecate want the witches to do?
She wants the witches to give Macbeth some visions which will give him false impressions, false hopes for his
personal safety and the safety of his rule, so he will continue on his path of destruction.
16- “ Thou canst not say I did it : never shake thy gory locks at me.” Comment
The appearance of Banquo’s ghost made Macbeth completely mad, he knew he could never be free of the guilt
connected with the murders of his friends. Macbeth told the ghost that he shouldn’t blame him for the murder.[ lady
Macbeth saved the situation and asked the guests to leave as the king [Macbeth] had been suffering from this
affection all his life and asked them to ignore his behavior.]
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