Macbeth
Moral Lesson
Fate and Freewill
One moral lesson Shakespeare had in mind when writing Macbeth was to show how over ambition, that of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth can be a destructive force. A power so great that it creates an imbalance in nature.
Ambition
Power
Plot Review
Settings
Act 1 Summary
Act 2 Summary
King Duncan is murdered by Macbeth. Macbeth lives with the guilt.
This act sets the stage for the play. Macbeth and Banquo get their prophecies from the three witches.
The Prophecies
Scotland and England in the 11th century
- Macbeth will be made Thane of Cawdor
- Macbeth will become king
Act 4 Summary
Act 3 Summary
Macbeth hires assassins to kill Banquo and his son, Fleance to prevent his future sons from taking the throne. The story shifts when Fleance escapes.
Macduff goes to Malcolm to plot against Macbeth. Macduff's wife and son are killed.
Act 5 Summary
Malcolm sends his army of ten thousand soldiers to save Scotland from its corrupt leader. Macduff kills Macbeth gruesomely removing his head for all to see.
A brave Scottish general named Macbeth receives a prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. Consumed by ambition and spurred to action by his wife, Macbeth murders King Duncan and takes the Scottish throne for himself.