MacBeth Act 5 Overview

Question 1

Act 5, Scene 1

Answer 1

Lady Macbeth is sleepwalking and obsessively washing her hands (re-enacting the murder and trying to wash the blood off her hands). The doctor comes to visit her but says that she is possessed and he cannot heal her

Question 2

Act 5, Scene 2

Answer 2

The army is marching towards Dunsinane. Macbeth is going mad.

Question 3

Act 5, Scene 3

Answer 3

Macbeth shows hubris and is cruel to Seyton. The doctor tells him about Lady Macbeth.

Question 4

Act 5, Scene 4

Answer 4

Malcolm tells the army to carry boughs in front of them to disguise their numbers.

Question 5

Act 5, Scene 5

Answer 5

In the middle of battle Macbeth finds out that Lady Macbeth has died. He no longer feels fear. He is told that the woods are moving and there is going to be a siege.

Question 6

Act 5, Scene 6

Answer 6

The army, including Malcolm, Siward, and Macduff, has reached the castle. They reveal themselves from under the branches and blow trumpets

Question 7

Act 5, Scene 7

Answer 7

Macbeth kills young Siward. Macduff wants to avenge his family so he looks for Macbeth. The castle is being defeated, Macbeth’s forces are betraying him.

Question 8

Act 5, Scene 8

Answer 8

Macduff faces Macbeth, but Macbeth thinks he can’t be killed. Macduff then reveals that he was born by caesarean section rather than a natural birth. Macbeth dies. Malcolm is crowned King of Scotland and vows to restore order.