Act 5 - Plot summary

Question 1

Scene 1

Answer 1

As she sleepwalks, Lady Macbeth bemoans the murders of Lady Macduff and Banquo. She speaks of blood on her hands that can ever be washed away.

Question 2

Scene 2

Answer 2

A group of Scottish lords head towards Macbeth’s castle. Macbeth makes military preparations.

Question 3

Scene 3

Answer 3

In his castle, Macbeth boasts that he does not fear the approaching English army because he believes that the witches’ prophecies ensure that he will not be overthrown or killed.

Question 4

Scene 4

Answer 4

At Brian’s Wood, the English forces cut a tress branch for each of the soldiers to help camouflage their numbers as they approach the castle.

Question 5

Scene 5

Answer 5

Macbeth learns that Lady Macbeth is dead. He then learns that the trees of Burnam Wood are advancing toward Dunsinane, and he realises that the prophecies are coming true.

Question 6

Scene 6

Answer 6

Outside the castle, the battle commences. Malcolm orders the English soldiers to draw their swords.

Question 7

Scene 7

Answer 7

Macbeth strikes those around him vigorously. He slays Siward’s son and them disappears into the fray.

Question 8

Scene 8

Answer 8

Macbeth fights Macduff and learns that Macduff was delivered by Caesarean section, meaning that he was not born of a woman. Macduff kills Macbeth and proclaims Malcolm the King of Scotland.