ACT SUMMARIES

Question 1

ACT 1

Answer 1

. Macbeth and Banquo return from a bloody battle and are greeted by 3 witches
. The witches tell Macbeth and Banquo of their predictions, which include:
- Macbeth becoming Thane of Cawdor
- Macbeth becoming King
- and Banquo being the father of a line of kings
. The two lords soon find out that Macbeth is to become the new Thane of Cawdor because the original was executed for treachery
. King Duncan proclaims his son, Malcolm as heir to the throne
. Lady Macbeth receives a letter detailing the situation and soon finds out that King Duncan will be staying the night at their castle
. She sets out to persuade her reluctant husband to kill the King
. After wrestling with his conscience, Macbeth agrees to commit the murder

Question 2

ACT 2

Answer 2

. Macbeth kills Duncan and is overcome with guilt (he can’t even return the bloody daggers to Duncan’s chamber)
. Lady Macbeth takes charge and fiercely criticises her husband before returning the daggers herself
. In the morning, Macduff discovers Duncan’s body
. There is panic sent throughout the household
. Macbeth kills Duncan’s guards in an attempt to cover his tracks
. Malcolm and Donaldbain flee to England and Ireland
. Macbeth is crowned the new king of Scotland

Question 3

ACT 3

Answer 3

. Macbeth is king, however neither he nor Lady Macbeth is happy
. Macbeth plots with 2 murderers to kill Banquo and his son, Fleance
. The murderers kill Banquo but Fleance escapes
. The Macbeth’s host a banquet, however Macbeth becomes unnerved and enraged upon seeing Banquo’s ghost
. Lady Macbeth invents a story to explain Macbeth’s strange behaviour before hurriedly dismissing their guests
. Discontent is spreading throughout Scotland and there is news that a force opposing Macbeth is gathering in England

Question 4

ACT 4

Answer 4

. Macbeth seeks out witches in order to know his future
. The witches call up spirits who predict:
- beware of Macduff
- no one of woman born shall harm Macbeth
- Macbeth shall never be defeated until the forest starts moving
. Macbeth is informed that Macduff has fled to England
. Macbeth orders the slaughter of Macduff’s entire family
. With English support, the Scottish forces are ready to fight Macbeth

Question 5

ACT 5

Answer 5

. Lady Macbeth is often seen sleepwalking and talking of her guilt
. As forces lead by Malcolm approach Macbeth’s castle, they cut down branches to hide their numbers
. Lady Macbeth commits suicide
. Outnumbered by Malcolm’s army, Macbeth fights bravely until he is finally killed by Macduff
. Malcolm is the new king of Scotland, he promises to restore peace and order