6. How Does Lady Macbeth Learn About The Witches' Prophecies For Macbeth? What Is Her Reaction?

Ellen Terry as Lady Macbeth, 1888

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TL;DR (may contain spoilers): Macbeth hears that he is going to be king; he and Lady Macbeth kill people so he tin can get king; both of them dice.

Macbeth Summary

Three witches tell the Scottish general Macbeth that he volition be Male monarch of Scotland. Encouraged by his wife, Macbeth kills the rex, becomes the new king, and kills more than people out of paranoia. Civil state of war erupts to overthrow Macbeth, resulting in more death.

Read our Macbeth Character Summaries

More than detail: two minute read

Act I

On a bleak Scottish moorland, Macbeth and Banquo, two of King Duncan's generals, discover three strange women (witches). The witches prophesy that Macbeth volition be promoted twice: to Thane of Cawdor (a rank of the elite bestowed past grateful kings) and Rex of Scotland. Banquo's descendants volition be kings, but Banquo isn't promised any kingdom himself. The generals desire to hear more, but the "weird sisters" disappear.

Before long afterwards, Male monarch Duncan names Macbeth Thane of Cawdor every bit a advantage for his success in the recent battles. The promotion seems to support the prophecy. The King and then proposes to brand a brief visit that dark to Macbeth's castle at Inverness. Lady Macbeth receives news from her husband almost the prophecy and his new title. She vows to aid him become rex past whatever means are necessary (*ominous music*).

Is this a dagger which I meet before me?
— Macbeth, Human activity ii Scene ane

Macbeth with Henry Irving Programme, 1889. An ornate border arch surrounds the wording, which has a design of thistles with a mask and a saltire at the top and an interlace with a central mask at the foot. — Macbeth with Henry Irving Program, 1889

Act 2

Macbeth returns to his castle, followed virtually immediately by King Duncan. The Macbeths plot together to kill Duncan and look until anybody is asleep. At the appointed time, Lady Macbeth gives the guards drugged vino and so Macbeth can enter and kill the King. He regrets this almost immediately, simply his wife reassures him. She leaves the encarmine daggers past the expressionless king merely before Macduff, a nobleman, arrives. When Macduff discovers the murder, Macbeth kills the drunken guards in a prove of rage and retribution. Duncan's sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, abscond, fearing for their own lives; but they are, nevertheless, blamed for the murder.

Deed III

Macbeth becomes King of Scotland but is plagued by feelings of insecurity. He remembers the prophecy that Banquo's descendants will inherit the throne and arranges for Banquo and his son Fleance to be killed. In the darkness, Banquo is murdered, but his son escapes the assassins. At his state banquet that night, Macbeth sees the ghost of Banquo and worries the courtiers with his mad response. Lady Macbeth dismisses the courtroom and unsuccessfully tries to calm her husband.

Macbeth Costume for Vivien Leigh as Lady Macbeth, 1955. A green, long mediaeval dress with tight full-length sleeves, a belt with an ornate gold buckle, and a black velvet trim round the neck which extends to the ground behind her on her right. — Costume for Vivien Leigh as Lady Macbeth, 1955

Human activity Four

Macbeth seeks out the witches who say that he volition be safety until a local wood, Birnam Woods, marches into battle against him. He too need not fear anyone born of woman (that sounds secure, no loop-holes here). They likewise prophesy that the Scottish succession will notwithstanding come from Banquo's son. Macbeth embarks on a reign of terror, slaughtering many, including Macduff's family. Macduff had gone to seek Malcolm (one of Duncan's sons who fled) at the court of the English king. Malcolm is immature and unsure of himself, only Macduff, pained with grief, persuades him to lead an army confronting Macbeth.

By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes
— Macbeth, Human activity 4 Scene 1

Macbeth Royal Shakespeare Company, 1967 (featuring funny hats). All characters are dressed in white. Macbeth and his lady sit on high-backed chairs facing us, other characters sit on stools around and facing them. All wear paper or cardboard crowns, Macbeth's and his lady's being taller than the rest. — Royal Shakespeare Company, 1967

Act V

Macbeth feels safe in his remote castle at Dunsinane until he is told that Birnam Forest is moving towards him. Malcolm's regular army is conveying branches from the wood as camouflage for their assault on Macbeth's stronghold. Meanwhile, an overwrought and conscience-ridden Lady Macbeth walks in her sleep and tells her secrets to her doctor. She commits suicide. Every bit the final battle commences, Macbeth hears of Lady Macbeth's suicide and mourns.

Out, damned spot!
— Macbeth, Act five Scene 1

Programme cover for George Skillan as Macbeth (1920), showing a profiled cartoon figure with a large head, shoulder-length curly black hair, and a long moustache. He holds a sword and a round shield. — George Skillan equally Macbeth, 1920

In the midst of a losing battle, Macduff challenges Macbeth. Macbeth learns Macduff is the child of a caesarean nascency (loophole!), realises he is doomed, and submits to his enemy. Macduff triumphs and brings the head of the traitor Macbeth to Malcolm. Malcolm declares peace and goes to Scone to be crowned king.