Modern English Macbeth Translation by No Sweat Shakespeare

Modern English Macbeth

Act One Scene One

Setting: A stormy, desolate landscape.
Three voices (witches) plan to meet Macbeth amidst thunder, lightning, and rain.
They will meet after the battle's outcome is decided before sunset, upon the heath.
The witches speak in rhyming verse, creating an eerie atmosphere.
They chant "Fair is foul, and foul is fair," indicating moral ambiguity and the deceptive nature of appearances.

Act One Scene Two

King Duncan of Scotland is with his sons Malcolm and Donalbain near Forres.
Scotland is at war because rebels, led by Macdonwald, allied with Norway, threaten to invade.
A wounded sergeant reports to King Duncan about the battle.
The sergeant recounts how Macbeth valiantly fought against Macdonwald, splitting him from navel to jaw.
After defeating Macdonwald, Macbeth and Banquo face a new assault from Norway, aided by the Thane of Cawdor described as a traitor.
The sergeant compares Macbeth and Banquo to overworked guns, their barrels exploding, as they lay into the enemy.
Ross arrives with news that Macbeth defeated Norway.
King Duncan orders the Thane of Cawdor's execution and decides to give the title to Macbeth.
Duncan: "What he has lost the noble Macbeth has won."

Act One Scene Three

Setting: A dark, muddy heath with rumbles of thunder. The three witches appear.
The witches describe their evil deeds such as killing swine and cursing a sailor whose wife refused to share chestnuts.
The witches say they can control the winds and torment the sailor to Aleppo, gone ''master o' the Tiger'', draining him dry though his ship will not be lost -- "Weary se'nnights nine times nine Shall he dwindle, peak and pine".
The witches anticipate Macbeth's arrival, chanting and circling.
Macbeth and Banquo encounter the witches.
Macbeth comments on the day's paradoxical nature: "So foul and fair a day I have not seen."
Banquo is wary of the witches, unsure if they are real or illusions.
The witches greet Macbeth as Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and future king.
The witches greet Banquo as "Lesser than Macbeth, and greater", "Not so happy, yet much happier", and that he will father kings. They chant: "Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none. So all hail, Macbeth and Banquo!"
Macbeth is intrigued and demands more information, but the witches vanish.
Banquo questions if they were real or if they hallucinated.
Macbeth and Banquo discuss the prophecies.
Ross and Angus arrive to escort Macbeth to the King, informing him of his new title: Thane of Cawdor.
Macbeth questions how he can be Thane of Cawdor when the current Thane is alive.
Angus explains that the Thane of Cawdor has been condemned to death for treason.
Macbeth reflects on the witches' prophecies coming true, considering the possibility of becoming king.
Banquo warns Macbeth about the dark forces telling truths to lead to destruction.
Macbeth contemplates the implications of the prophecies, torn between ambition and morality.
He considers the idea of murdering King Duncan, feeling both tempted and horrified.
Macbeth decides to proceed with the King.
Macbeth tells Banquo they'll discuss the prophecies later.

Act One Scene Four

King Duncan inquires about Cawdor's execution and regrets trusting him.
Malcolm reports Cawdor confessed and repented before his execution.
Macbeth arrives with Banquo, and Duncan expresses his gratitude.
Duncan names Malcolm as the Prince of Cumberland and his heir.
Duncan plans to visit Macbeth at Inverness.
Macbeth acknowledges that the Prince of Cumberland is in the way and a step over which he would trip, as his thoughts turn to dark ambitions after hearing of Malcolm.
He wishes his black and deep desires would be hidden.

Act One Scene Five

Lady Macbeth reads a letter from Macbeth about the witches' prophecies.
She fears Macbeth lacks the ruthlessness to become king, not having any ruthlessness and being full of the milk of human kindness.
Lady Macbeth resolves to persuade Macbeth to take the crown by any means necessary.
A servant announces King Duncan's impending arrival.
Lady Macbeth calls on evil spirits to strip her of her femininity and fill her with cruelty to carry out their plan (spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, fill me from the crown to the toe top full of direst cruelty, make thick my blood).
Macbeth arrives, and Lady Macbeth greets him with ambition, saying his letters have transported her beyond the immediate present.
Lady Macbeth pressures Macbeth to murder Duncan, emphasizing the need to look like the innocent flower but be the serpent under it.
She states they must leave tonight's great business to her.

Act One Scene Six

Duncan and Banquo arrive at Inverness, appreciating the castle's pleasant environment.
Lady Macbeth greets them, expressing her gratitude to the King (anything I could do, doubled and then doubled again, would be nothing compared to the honors your majesty piles on our house).
Duncan admires Lady Macbeth's hospitality, seeing that people take so much trouble over his entertainment.
Duncan asks for Macbeth.

Act One Scene Seven

Duncan and his court feast at Inverness.
Macbeth contemplates whether he should kill Duncan listing Duncan's virtues:
- Duncan trusts him completely.
- Macbeth is his kinsman and subject.
- Macbeth is Duncan's host.
- Duncan is a gentle man and a strong King.
Due to his vaulting ambition, Macbeth is concerned about getting caught and the consequences of killing Duncan.
Lady Macbeth questions Macbeth's manhood and ambition, accusing him of being a coward.
Lady Macbeth says she would rather kill her own baby than break a promise, pulling her nipple from its boneless gums and dashing its brains out than break a promise.
Lady Macbeth outlines her plan to get Duncan's chamberlains drunk and blame them for the murder.
Macbeth agrees to the plan.

Act Two Scene One

Banquo and Fleance are awake at late hours in Macbeth's castle after the former had reoccurring dreams about the Weird Sisters.
Banquo is reluctant to go to bed because of his worrisome thoughts (merciful powers! what horrendous dreams I've been having! Take my sword! There's economy in heaven: their candles are all out).
Macbeth and Banquo discuss the weird sisters prophecies. Banquo says they have shown Macbeth some truth.
Macbeth lies about not thinking about them, but says when they have an hour, we could talk about that business.
Macbeth says to Banquo "I'll let you know", hinting the plan to kill Duncan is in play.
Banquo says he'll agree to talk as long as he's not compromised.
Macbeth hallucinates a dagger, questioning its reality: "Is this a dagger which I see before me, / The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee."
Macbeth is conflicted and overwhelmed by violent thoughts.
A bell rings, signaling Lady Macbeth's signal.
Macbeth resolves to kill Duncan, noting "I go, and it is done: the bell invites me. Don't hear it, Duncan; for it's a knell That summons you to heaven or to hell!".

Act Two Scene Two

Lady Macbeth waits for Macbeth after drugging the chamberlains with wine.
She worries Macbeth may not have succeeded until she hears noises.
Macbeth enters, revealing he has killed Duncan.
Macbeth is troubled, hearing voices and unable to say "Amen."
Macbeth says he thought he heard a voice cry 'Sleep no more! Macbeth has murdered sleep.'
Lady Macbeth criticizes Macbeth's weakness and insists he wash the blood off his hands.
Macbeth is too afraid to return to the scene, so Lady Macbeth takes the daggers to frame the guards.
Macbeth laments over the deed and feels he can't wash the blood off his hands.
His wife, who is not feeling any guilt despite the deed, assures him that a little water clears us of this deed.
They hear knocking.

Act Two Scene Three

The porter delays answering the knocking at the gate, joking about being the porter of hell (this is the gate of hell, this is).
Macduff and Lennox arrive and question the porter about the late hours.
Macduff goes to wake Duncan.
Lennox speaks of the wild night, prophesies and of earthquakes that were heard.
Macduff discovers Duncan's body and cries out in horror.
Macbeth and Lennox arrive to see horror!
Macduff announces that the life from the Lord's anointed temple has been stolen to Macbeth: What? Those doing the life?
Macbeth acts surprised. Donalbain asks, "Do you mean, his majesty?"
Macbeth claims he killed the chamberlains in a fit of rage, because his love for royal Duncan was stronger than my reason.
Macduff questions Macbeth's actions.
Lady Macbeth faints to divert attention.
Malcolm and Donalbain suspect foul play and decide to flee for their own safety.
Malcolm states he is going to England for the moment.

Act Two Scene Four

Ross discusses the unnatural events with an Old Man news of Duncan's murder.
Ross describes the dark covering of the sun at daytime and heavens, troubled by the acts of humans, threaten the scene of their violence.
The Old Man points out additional terrors: last Tuesday a falcon, surveying its prey, was hunted by a mousing hawk and killed.
Ross notes of Duncan's horses going wild breaking out of their stalls refusing to be controlled as though declaring war on mankind with the Old Man chiming in that they say they ate each other.
Macduff arrives and confirms that the grooms (chamberlains) were bribed to kill Duncan and they are suspected, and Malcolm and Donalbain have fled.
Ross states he supposes Macbeth will be elected.
Macduff states that's already happened and he's gone to Scone to be crowned.
Ross asks, "Are you going to Scone?"
Macduff states, "No, Cousin, I'm going home to Fife."
Ross is unsure, but states Well I think I'll go.
Macduff expresses his hope everything satisifies Ross as well as says goodbye and that he doesn't think their new clothes will fit better than our old.

Act Three Scene One

Banquo reflects on Macbeth's ascension to the throne and suspects he played a foul hand to obtain it.
Banquo recalls the witches' prophecy that his descendants will be kings.
Macbeth and Lady Macbeth invite Banquo to a formal banquet.
Macbeth inquires about Banquo's travel plans for the afternoon.
Banquo mentions that Fleance will also be going with him this afternoon.
Macbeth discusses the rumors of Malcolm and Donalbain in England and Ireland.
Macbeth expresses he looks forward to talking about state matters but asks if Fleance is going with you.
Macbeth hires two murderers to kill Banquo and Fleance because Banquo's noble dignity is frightening and he is very fearless.
Macbeth feels inferior with Banquo around as did Mark Antony as well when around Octavius Caesar.
Macbeth remembers Banquo's reproach of the witches insisting that they speak to him showing respect claiming Banquo as the father of the line of kings.
Macbeth remembers, On his own head they had placed a fruitless crown and put a barren scepter in his hand. To be wrenched away by a hand not of his own family.
Macbeth believes Banquo is also an enemy.
Macbeth instructs the murderers to kill both Banquo and Fleance.

Act Three Scene Two

Lady Macbeth sends a servant to call Macbeth.
Lady Macbeth expresses that gaining nothing and wastes in everything when getting what they want without happiness, expressing it woould be better to be Duncan than to be alive but tortured with fears and doubts.
Macbeth reveals his unease and shares that he still feels the snake needs to be killed, not wounded expressing, We've wounded the snake, not killed it, and that it will recover and bite us.
Lady Macbeth advises him to be cheerful at the banquet.
Macbeth expresses to her he still feels the nightmares and it would be better to be with the one we killed, because we gave him peace, than to be king and be tortured like this.
Macbeth expresses that the two that need to be taken care of is Banquo and Fleance as well, since they are still alive!
Macbeth states that something dreadful's going
Lady Macbeth asks, "What?"
Macbeth says it will be a surprise.
Macbeth calls on the darkest night to blindfold the caring eye of gentle day and with your bloody and invisible hand rip to pieces those lives that keep me in a state og fear.
Macbeth states that with each evil thing being done you get strength from continuing to do them.

Act Three Scene Three

The two murderers wait for Banquo and Fleance. A third murderer joins them.
They attack Banquo and Fleance.
Banquo is killed, but Fleance escapes.
The murderers lament they only half done the job with one claiming, well, anyway let's go and tell him what we've done.

Act Three Scene Four

Macbeth and Lady Macbeth welcome guests to the banquet.
Macbeth mentions he hopes Banquo had been honoured with their presence and hopes he'll have cause to confront him for his discounrtsey rather than potying him with any accident (discounrtsey is for breaking his promise).
Ross indicates to Macbeth the vacant chair wanting him for his royal cumpany because the table's empty.
Macbeth sees Banquo's ghost sitting in his chair, unbenounced to the guests and reacts in a very concerning and odd way.
Lady Macbeth makes excuses for Macbeth's behavior, calming the guests and saying he has been that way since childhood and also that it would make it worse if they bring attention to it.
Macbeth interacts with the ghost talking about his hair and expressing which of you who have done this.
Lady Macbeth questions his manhood once more. And says his just looking at things that caused the fear that's not there and that he's embarrassing himself.
Macbeth claims as true as this is as is says it, he saw him.
Macbeth continues hallucinating and talking to the ghost.
Lady Macbeth dismisses the guests and attempts to calm Macbeth.
Macbeth realizes and notices its getting late, questions if the guests were amazed/concerned about him.
Lady Macbeth kicks everyone out.
Macbeth wonders about Macduff for not attending the banquet and states he is going to question him personally and that there is not a household that he doesn't have a spy at.
Macbeth is going to find the weird sisters early tomorrow morning.

Act Three Scene Five

Hecate, queen of darkness, is angry with the witches for dealing with Macbeth without her involvement.
Hecate commands the witches to meet her in the morning at the pit of Acheron and that they must make amends now.
She plans to manipulate Macbeth through illusions and false security to lead to his downfall.

Act Three Scene Six

Lennox and a friend discuss the suspicious events surrounding Duncan and Banquo's deaths and feel something wrong has been taking place stating, Things have been done in a strange way.
They suspect Macbeth's tyranny and Macduff's disgrace for not attending the tyrant's feast.
They note that Malcolm is at the English court and is supported by King Edward.
The friend mentions with the assistance of those two and God we could restore food to our tables and sleep to our nights, instead of this feast of bloody knives we've got at present.
Lennox expresses a wish for an angel to bring news from England so their country can live in hope.

Act Four Scene One

Setting: A dark, eerie cave. The Weird Sisters gather around a cauldron, preparing a charm.
The witches chant and add gruesome ingredients. Triplets are used a lot: "Double, double, toil and trouble. Thrice the brindled cat hath mewed."
Hecate arrives and commends the weird sisters.
Hecate makes an appearance when the fire burns and cauldron bubbles after a resounding thundercrack: 0, well done! I commend your pains, And everyone shall share i' the gains.
They conjure apparitions to answer Macbeth's questions.
Macbeth is confused as to how he came to be there, but starts making demands by calling on the witches.
A Head wearing a helmet apparition appears, warning Macbeth to beware Macduff - "Beware Macduff! Beware the Thane of Fife. Dismiss me. Enough."
A blood-smeared child apparition appears, telling Macbeth that no one born of woman can harm him - "Be bloody, bold, and resolute. Laugh to scorn the power of man, for none of woman born shall harm Macbeth."
A crowned Child with a tree in its hand apparition appears, stating Macbeth cannot be conquered until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane (Be Lion-mettled and take no care who chafes Who frets, or where conspirers are/are : Macbeth shall never vanquished be until Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane hill shall come against him.)
Macbeth is misled by the prophecies, feeling invincible.
Macbeth inquires if Banquo's sons will ever reign despite previously dismissing Macduff and hearing what he needed to hear, to which the voices respond, Seek to know no more. Another procession of kings appears, all resembling Banquo.
Macbeth orders the murder of Macduff's family.

Act Four Scene Two

Lady Macduff questions Macduff's abandonment and claims her son to be an orphan.
Lady Macduff: What's he done, that he's had to flee to England? Doesn't love us.
Ross tries to reassure Lady Macduff and states that it is tough times where the most loyal people are being accused of being traitors and that the times are bad when the most loyal people are accused of being traitors. I can't say anymore.
Lady Macduff and her son talk about traitors.
The little son is murdered right in front of them to a shaggy haired lout proclaiming/asking you egg! you traitor/s spawn!
Lady Macduff is running around with the cries of help.

Act Four Scene Three

Malcolm and Macduff meet in England with Malcolm being reluctant to trust Macduff.
Malcolm tests Macduff's honesty and loyalty by pretending to be even more evil than Macbeth:
- Lustful
- Greedy
- Lacking virtues to make a good king
Macduff grieves for Scotland and Malcolm reveals his true nature, stating, your noble reaction has removed my suspicion and convinced me of your honor. I'm placing myself under your leadership and withdrawing my allegations against myself. Malcolm reveals that Old Siward is setting with ten thousand men.
Ross arrives with the news of Macduff's family's murder.
Ross reveals to hearing what he heard with holding back a bit and asks "how's my wife and children" and they are honest at this state. Wife is murdered too.
Macduff is overcome with grief and vows revenge on Macbeth.

Act Five Scene One

A doctor and gentlewoman observe Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking.
Lady Macbeth re-enacts the murders in her sleep, revealing her guilt and madness.
Lady Macbeth touches her hand commenting there is still a spot here.
Lady Macbeth says,