macbeth acts

Act 1

  • Scene 1: Three witches meet and plan to meet Macbeth, establishing their influence.

  • Scene 2: A Captain praises Macbeth to King Duncan, who will receive the Thane of Cawdor title.

  • Scene 3: Witches prophesize for Macbeth and Banquo; Ross and Angus inform Macbeth of his new title.

  • Scene 4: Duncan praises Macbeth and names Malcolm as his heir.

  • Scene 5: Lady Macbeth reads Macbeth's letter about the witches and plots Duncan's murder with him.

  • Scene 6: Banquo and Duncan remark on Macbeth's castle, likening it to Eden.

  • Scene 7: Lady Macbeth persuades Macbeth to kill Duncan by questioning his masculinity.

Act 2

  • Scene 1: Banquo feels darkness and temptation; Macbeth hallucinates a dagger leading him to kill Duncan.

  • Scene 2: Macbeth returns guilt-ridden post-murder; Lady Macbeth handles the aftermath.

  • Scene 3: The porter humorously compares himself to hell. Macduff finds Duncan's body. Duncan's sons flee to avoid suspicion.

  • Scene 4: Ross and an old man discuss the chaotic natural order; Macbeth is crowned king.

Act 3

  • Scene 1: Banquo suspects foul play in Duncan's death; Macbeth plots Banquo's murder with two murderers.

  • Scene 2: Lady Macbeth expresses unease about their rule; Macbeth discusses Banquo without revealing his plan.

  • Scene 3: Banquo is killed; Fleance escapes.

  • Scene 4: Macbeth sees Banquo's ghost at a banquet; chaos ensues.

  • Scene 5: Hecate meets with the witches; she scolds them and plans Macbeth's downfall.

  • Scene 6: Lords, including Lennox, suspect Macbeth; Malcolm and Macduff prepare to confront him.

Act 4

  • Scene 1: Macbeth meets the witches for prophecies: beware of Macduff, no harm from those born of women, and Birnam Wood threat.

  • Scene 2: Lady Macduff derides Macduff; she and her son are killed by Macbeth's orders.

  • Scene 3: Malcolm tests Macduff's loyalty; they prepare to fight Macbeth.

Act 5

  • Scene 1: Lady Macbeth sleepwalks, trying in vain to wash away the guilt of murder.

  • Scene 2: The army advances toward Dunsinane; Macbeth descends into madness.

  • Scene 3: Macbeth's hubris grows; he is unconcerned about Lady Macbeth's condition.

  • Scene 4: Malcolm instructs his army to carry branches for disguise.

  • Scene 5: Macbeth learns of Lady Macbeth’s death; feels invincible.

  • Scene 6: The army reaches the castle, revealing their numbers.

  • Scene 7: Macbeth kills young Siward; Macduff seeks revenge.

  • Scene 8: Macduff confronts Macbeth, revealing he was born by caesarean section; Macbeth is killed. Malcolm is crowned king, pledging to restore order.