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Act 1 Scene 1: Summary
The 3 Witches speak to each other in a desert about when they will meet again (when the battle is over during a sunset).
This is when they will talk to Macbeth
Famous Line: “Fair is foul, and foul is fair”
Significance: “Fair is foul, and foul is fair”
It describes the entire play; Especially how everything is flipped. Whatever seems good is bad, and vice versa. This quote heavily links to appearance vs reality and ironies.
Ex: “Look the innocent flower, / But be the serpent under’t” (1.5)
The 3 Witches
They have the prophecies to foresee the future.
Act 1 Scene 2: Summary
The battle is over and a wounded soldier tells Duncan Macbeth defeated Macdonwald (Scottish Rebel), Sweno (King of Norway), and the Thane of Cawdor. Since the Thane of Cawdor was a traitor, Duncan has ordered an execution on him (fulfilling Macbeth’s prophecies he is soon to encounter).
Macbeth’s Description
A brave, loyal and valiant soldier. Described as someone who would not betray the king.
Macbeth’s New Title
Macbeth gained title of Thane of Cawdor, and with new titles comes new identities
Act 1 Scene 3: Summary
The scene opens with the 3 witches talking about a sailor’s wife not giving her a chestnut, so they cursed them to be at sea and constantly fornicating for years. Macbeth arrives with Banquo and the 3 witches tell Macbeth his prophecies (Thane of Cawdor and Glamis, and King).Banquo is interested as well and asks for his prophecies (Paradoxes: Lesser than Macbeth, and greater, Not so happy, yet much happie , Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none). Macbeth is notified about his new title, and starts having thoughts of killing Duncan for King status.
Macbeth’s opening line: “So foul and fair a day I have not seen”
Same diction as “Fair is foul, and foul is fair”, however the context is different.
Macbeth is speaking in terms of Foul of the deaths, betrayal of Scottish allies and the weather. In terms of Fair he speaks about the victory.
Macbeth’s reaction to the prophecies:
Macbeth begins to think of killing Duncan to achieve king status, however, he will not go out of his way to kill Duncan. If the opportunity presents itself, he will take it.
Appearance Vs Reality: “And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, The instruments of darkness tell us truths”
Banquo tells Macbeth that evil will appear as good, but in reality it is not.
Very clear in act 3, as Macbeth achieved King status but is not happy. In fact, Macbeth is miserable in act 3 as he is extremely paranoid, cannot eat, and cannot sleep.
Appearance Vs. Reality: Macbeth
Macbeth may appear to be the loyal and dutiful soldier, but his inner thoughts indicate that he has other motives rather than just serving the king.
Act 1 Scene 4: Summary
Macbeth and Banquo has gone to visit Duncan in Forres, and Duncan commends them for their bravery and loyalty, and tells them their is no amount of thanks and rewards he can give them for what they’ve done. Macbeth and Banquo tells him their service is enough as for payment, and Duncan tells Macbeth he will be going to his castle.
Duncan’s character
Naive:
Makes the same mistake twice of allowing 2 people to deceive him (Macbeth and the previous Thane of Cawdor)
Bounteous/Generous Nature:
1.2: “Give Macbeth the Thane of Cawdor
1.4: “You deserve more than I can give you”
Etc.
Imagery:
Uses a lot of plant imagery to signify growth and prosperity
Macbeth’s Light and Darkness
Macbeth thinks about killing Duncan and does not want anyone to see his desires.
“But signs of nobleness, like stars, shall shine / On all deservers”
“Stars hide your fires, / Let not light see my black and deep desires”
Act 1 Scene 5: Summary
Lady Macbeth reads the letter from Macbeth and learns of the 3 prophecies. Realizes the opportunity is falling right into their hands (Duncan is staying the night), and tells Macbeth they will kill him then. She claims Macbeth is too kind of a soul, so he will only “sit and watch” while she does the rest.
Lady Macbeth’s intro
Unlike the previous scenes, Lady Macbeth’s first lines are not a question. “Glamis thou art, and Cawdor, and shalt be / What thou art promised”. The fact there are no questions speak to her character (definitive and confident).
Lady Macbeth’s values
Lady Macbeth’s values are inverted like the witches, and it seems she controls Macbeth. The following quotes:
“Too full of the milk of human kindness” —> Comment on Macbeth
“Unsex me here” —> Removing feminine qualities
Speak to her character of being an ambition-fueled individual.
Duality between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
Macbeth deals with a morale dilemma when thinking about killing Duncan, it horrifies him to even think of such things, however, Lady Macbeth seems to instantaneously come up with a plan to kill Duncan.
Appearance Vs Reality
Lady Macbeth' describes the flaws of Macbeth because he is terrible at hiding his true intentions, and gives him advice:
“Look like the innocent flower, / But be the serpent under it” (72-73)
“Only look up clear; / To alter favour ever is to fear” (79-80)
Act 1 Scene 6: Summary
King Duncan has arrived at inverness (Macbeth’s castle), and comments on how beautiful the Castle is. Lady Macbeth greets him, but Duncan questions where Macbeth is. They move past it and enter the castle.
Appearance Vs Reality: Duncan’s Comment on the Castle & Lady Macbeth
Appearance: A beautiful castle on the outside
Reality: The inside is filled with evil
Appearance: Lady Macbeth is honoured by King Duncan’s visit
Reality: Her intentions are to kill Duncan
King Duncan: Flaws
“The love that follows us sometimes is our trouble, / Which still we thank as love” (1.6.13-14):
Thane of Cawdor and Macbeth contradict this statement. This quote speaks of Duncan’s inability to see reality.
Where is Macbeth?
Macbeth is no where to be seen in this scene. This can indicate 2 things
Guilt: He feels guilty about planning Duncan’s death, and cannot bring himself to even greet the king
Involvement in the Plan: The fact he is not there can indicate that he is not fully onboard with the plan Lady Macbeth Proposed.
Act 1 Scene 7: Summary
Macbeth thinks about the reasons to kill and not to kill Duncan, and ultimately considers not to kill Duncan as the cons outweigh the pros, however, Lady Macbeth convinces him to follow through with the plan.
Reasons to Kill and not to Kill Duncan
To Kill:
Solely for Ambition
Not to Kill
Consequences in the afterlife and secular life
Kinsman and loyal subject
Host
Duncan’s virtues
Result of Lady Macbeth’s Manipulation Tactics:
“Was the hope drunk / Wherein you dressed yourself?” (38-39)
“What beast was’t then / That made you break this enterprise to me?”
“When you durst do it, then you were a man”
Convinces Macbeth to follow through with the plan, and not only that, she even gets him to add onto the plan.
Macbeth’s Character development
1.3: The thought of killing Duncan terrifies him, and believes becoming king might happen by chance
1.4: Feels guilt at his ambitions
1.5: Does not want to talk about killing Duncan
1.7: Initially convinces himself to not kill Duncan
Considers the possibility of going through with the plan
Fully onboard with the plan
Appearance Vs Reality: “Away, and mock the time with fairest show; / False face must hide what the false heart doth know” (91-92)
Macbeth says to put on a smile for the crowd as the host, but in reality it is to hide his intentions of killing Duncan.
Macbeth: What makes a man?
A man does what a man does, do more or less and you become less than a man.
Lady Macbeth: What makes a man?
Killing Duncan is the only way to ascend being a man. Killing for your ambitions is the manliest thing you can do.
Act 2 Scene 1
Macbeth and Banquo speak to each other before Macbeth kills Duncan. Macbeth asks for Banquo’s loyalty in him vs the king. Macbeth realizes he cannot let Banquo in on his plan. Macbeth is now alone and starts hallucinating a dagger leading him to Duncan’s room. Suddenly, he hears a bell (code from Lady Macbeth), telling him it is time to kill Duncan.
Setting
The setting from this scene and forwards will be full of darkness, symbolizing the evil and corruption going on.
No moonlight or stars - “The moon is down”
Shakespeare uses nature to reflect the moral behaviour of a man. Specifically Macbeth. No moon = no morals.
This also speaks about Duncan’s saying signs of nobleness, like stars, will only show to those who deserve it. No Stars = Undeserving
Banquo and Macbeth Comparison
Banquo is very truthful with Macbeth, while Macbeth lies (evident with his thoughts of the witches). This alone tells us more about Banquo’s character of a loyal and pure hearted soldier.
Macbeth’s Soliloquy
Bloody Dagger: This suggests Macbeth’s mind is full of turmoil, and he is dealing with a moral dilemma and is still reconsidering to kill Duncan.
Appearance Vs Reality: The bell
Appearance: Macbeth’s night cap is ready
Reality: Macbeth’s signal to kill Duncan, and refers to it as a knell (funeral bell)
Act 2 Scene 2: Summary
Macbeth has just killed Duncan off stage, but Lady Macbeth is dealing with her own problems. She is questioning whether Macbeth killed Duncan or not, and convinces herself to think she would kill Duncan if it weren’t for Duncan’s similarities to her father. Macbeth returns with his mind scrambled and dealing with a lot of turmoil, but accidentally brings the daggers back with him. Lady Macbeth tells him to rinse off, and she will return the dagger.
Macbeth’s Mental Turmoil
He immediately regrets his actions - “This is a sorry sight” (29)
“Wake Duncan with thy knocking! I wouldst thou couldst!” (93)
He was hallucinating while killing Duncan: Malcolm and Donalbain prayed “Sleep no more” and Macbeth could not say Amen - Speaking to his guilt
He would go crazy if he were to kill Duncan again
Imagery: Blood
The blood he describes resembles his guilt that he can’t wash away. According to Macbeth, the blood would contaminate the whole ocean rather than cleansing him, but Lady Macbeth sees this as evidence they need to get rid of.
Act 2 Scene 3: Summary
A porter rambles on about the gates of hell and describes different scenarios, each relating back to Macbeth. He opens the gates for Macduff and Lennox as they go search for Duncan’s room to wake him. Macbeth arrives and talks with Lennox about the terrible weather last night until Macduff returns with the news of Duncan’s murder. Macbeth checks out the scene and kills the 2 guards at front, and blames his uncontrollable emotions. He overexplains himself causing suspicion to be placed on him until Lady Macbeth faints.
Thematic Relevance to the:
Farmer
Equivocator
Tailor
Farmer: One who wants immediate gain and dies for it
Equivocator: One who is guily, but makes ambiguous answers to not incriminate himself
Tailor: One who cheats for personal gain
Lennox’s conversation with Macbeth
Comments on the poor weather the night before that affected the entire country. This speaks volumes of the Great Chain of Being and the disruption.
Dramatic Irony & Appearance Vs Reality
Macbeth killing the guards
News of Duncan’s Murder: Macbeth says life is pointless without Duncan
Macbeth killing the guards:
Appearance: To look like the loyal subjects of the king, and avenge his death
Reality: To rid of the chances of the guards denying the accusations
News of Duncan’s Murder
Appearance: He appears to be a loyal henchman
Reality: He is speaking about himself and his guilt
Act 2 Scene 4: Summary
Ross speaks to an old man about all the natural disasters occurring around the country, until Macduff arrives. He tells them about Duncan’s kids fleeing and how suspicions have been placed on them. However, he still is suspicious of Macbeth. Subsequently they talk about Macbeth’s coronation, and Macduff says he will not attend while Ross goes.
Major Natural Anomalies
It is day, yet it is so dark
An owl kills a flacon —> Similar to Macbeth killing Duncan
Duncan’s horses escape and eat each other
Appearance Vs Reality
2.4.49-50: Hope Macbeth is suited for the role as Duncan was.
App: Appears to be on board with the crowning of Macbeth
Reality: Still suspicious of Macbeth
Act 3 Scene 1: Summary
Banquo’s soliloquy starts with him suspecting Macbeth of killing Duncan, however, it is cut short when the lords and Macbeth enter for the banquet. Macbeth asks Banquo what he is doing later on, and Banquo tells him he will be riding a horse. Banquo leaves, and Macbeth speaks with 2 murderers alone. He convinces them to kill Banquo.
Banquo’s Soliloquy
Suspects Macbeth became king foul.
Starts thinking about the 3 prophecies (paradoxes), and hopes they are as true for him as they were for Macbeth.
Has his own temptations with the paradoxes
Macbeth’s Soliloquy
Claims he is not king until he is safe
Believes Banquo will kill him, and everything he has done is to benefit Banquo.
Macbeth fears Banquo for the same reason Lady Macbeth feared Macbeth in act 1-2. (Too loyal)
Macbeth intends to kill Banquo
Overall: Macbeth’s soliloquy refers to Macbeth’s mind being consumed with power
Imagery: Macbeth as King
Macbeth is using a lot of imagery, similar to Duncan, but the way they differ is Duncan would use imagery to describe growth and prosperity, while Macbeth uses it to symbolize corruption and evil.
Macbeth’s Character Development
Act 1: Macbeth initially does not consider killing Duncan, however, he starts weighing the pros and cons, and Lady Macbeth pushes him to kill Duncan
Act 2: Hallucinates a dagger to kill Duncan, but still has doubts about it. He ends up killing Duncan but with a lot of guilt
Act 3: With Banquo, it is different compared to Duncan’s murder. Macbeth kills Banquo with no hesitation and feels no remorse about it.
Act 3 Scene 2: Summary
Lady Macbeth is not happy even though they got what they wanted (tying back to what Banquo said in Act 1). Macbeth enters, and Lady Macbeth advises him to calm down and stop being so paranoid. They both have not been eating, sleeping, and nightmares. However, they put on a happy face for the banquet, and Macbeth hints at his plans with Banquo.
Lady Macbeth’s Soliloquy
Says you cannot enjoy what you have desired if you have no peace of mind
Claims it is better to be the Duncan if you feel anxious
The 2 are not happy even though they killed Duncan and are king status. Relating to Banquo in Act 1 Scene 3 when he said “And often, to win us to our harm, The instruments of darkness tell us truths”
Macbeth’s State of Mind
He has become what Lady Macbeth described a man to be. Someone who thrives off of ambitions. It is also clear Macbeth is becoming more and more like Lady Macbeth
Act 3 Scene 3: Summary
The 2 murders camp at the entrance of Forres waiting for Banquo until a third murderer appears. He tells them Macbeth sent him, and the 3 kill Banquo, but Fleance escapes.
Macbeth’s State of Mind
It is clear Macbeth is very paranoid and wants to ensure his safety with a third murderer.
Act 3 Scene 4: Summary
The banquet is going on, and Macbeth is called to the door by one of the murderers. He informs him that Banquo is dead, but Fleance escapes. Lady Macbeth calls Macbeth back, and Macbeth comments how he is disappointed that Banquo is not there. Banquo’s ghost then appears and Macbeth freaks out until Lady Macbeth calms him down. Macbeth repeats Banquo’s name and freaks out for a second time. Everyone leaves because of Macbeth. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth start suspecting Macduff because of his absence.
Order and Disorder
Order: “You know your own degrees; sit” (1)
Disorder: “Stand not upon the order of your going” (146)
Macbeth’s Character Development
Macbeth is becoming more and more paranoid, and it is clear because Banquo’s ghost appears. He also cannot go back on his actions, as he believes there will be as much bloodshed as if he goes forward.
Act 3 Scene 5: Summary
Hecate was angry at the 3 sisters for talking to Macbeth without her consent. Hecate tells the 3 sisters they will lead Macbeth to his downfall by making him feel over-confident.
Hecate’s Description of Macbeth
A selfish individual
This speaks to his character development because, in the first act, Macbeth is described as a loyal and selfless individual
Macbeth prioritizes Ambition
These characteristics contrast the conventions of a king
Indiciating that Macbeth’s status as king is not real
Hecate’s Plan
Plans to lead Macbeth to his downfall with a potion that makes him feel overconfident
Act 3 Scene 6: Summary
Lennox and a lord are discussing their suspicions of Macbeth. They talk about Malcolm and Macduff going to England’s King and asking for their help to take down Macbeth. They also talk about the state of the country, and how it has been miserable ever since Macbeth became king.
The Lord’s Speech
Malcolm goes to England to talk to the king for help, while Macduff goes to Northumberland to get help from Siward.
State of Scotland
People are not eating or sleeping anymore
Similar to what Macbeth is experiencing
Act 4 Scene 1: Summary
The witches create the potion and Hecate praises them. Macbeth enters and demands they show him his future. He tells them that is all he cares about, saying things like natural disasters or the end of the universe do not matter to him in comparison.
Apparition #1: head wearing a helmet warns Macbeth to beware of Macduff (Thane of Fife)
Apparition #2: Bloody Child tells Macbeth no man born from a woman will harm Macbeth.
Apparition #3: child wearing a crown and holding a tree in his hand - Macbeth will never lose until Birnam moves to Dunsaine Hill
Macbeth asks about Banquo’s descendants, and what shows is a line of 8 kings from Banquo’s lineage. Macbeth exits the cave and Lennox tells him Macduff is in England.
