Macbeth-Basic plot Flashcards
What happens in Act 1?
The play opens with the three witches planning to meet Macbeth. A wounded captain tells King Duncan about how brave Macbeth has been and how he fought against rebels led by Macdonwald. The Thane of Cawdor is sentenced to death and Duncan decides Macbeth will be King. The witches meet and tell Macbeth he will become Thane of Cawdor and King and that Banquo’s children willl be Kings. Macbeth demands to know more but the witches disappear. Ross and Angus tell Macbeth he is Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth realises Duncan needs to be dead to take the throne but he announces that Malcolm will inherit the throne. Macbeth writes to his wife about the witches and she fears he is too kind. When Macbeth arrives they plan and Duncan comes to stay, giving them the opportunity.
What happens in Act 2?
Banquo and Fleance meet Macbeth on the night of the murder and Banquo gives Macbeth a diamond for his wife from Duncan. Banquo says he dreamt of he witches and Macbeth lies and says he hasn’t. Macbeth hallucinates with a bloody dagger. He hears a bell amd goes off to kill DUncan. Lady Macbeth waits and is alarmed when he brings the daggers back. Lady Macbeth plants the knives on the guards but Macbeth hears knocking, She returns and tells them both to go to bed. The porter opens the door to Macduff and Lennox and Macbeth takes Macduff to see DUncan. They discover that he is dead and scream murder. Macbeth explains he killed the guards in anger and when Macduff questions him Lady Macbeth faints.
What happens in Act 3?
Macbeth grows concerned about Banquo because of the witches prophecy. He hires two murderers to kill Banquo and Fleance, Banquo is killed but Fleance escapes. Lady Macbeth was unaware of the plans. At the banquet Macbeth hallucinates and sees Banquo’s ghost. Lady Macbeth tries to cover up his behaviour but the guests begin to question Macbeth’s sanity. Macbeth decides to meet the witches again whilst Macduff and Malcolm meet in England to form an army against him.
What happens in Act 4?
The witches show Macbeth apparitions, warning against Macduff, telling him to fear no man born of woman and the third saying he will only fall when Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane castle. Macbeth believes that he is untouchable but the witches also show a procession of Kings looking like Banquo. Malcolm tests Macduffs loyalty and plot against Macbeth whilst Macduff’s wife and children are killed.
What happens in Act 5?
Lady Macbeth is sleepwalking and so a doctor is called. She reveals her guilt as she can’t wash off the blood. Macbeth is dealing with battle preparations and is angry that the doctor can’t cure her. Lady Macbeth commits suicide as the English army approaches. Macbeth still believes he is safe but Malcolm instructed soldiers to cut off branches as a disguise. This means the 3rd prophecy is coming true and Macbeth becomes worried. In battle Macbeth kills Young Siward and battles Macduff, where he reveals he was born with a C-section. He kills Macbeth and Malcolm is now King.
