macbeth summary

Macbeth meets the three witches.The witches make three prophecies: Macbeth will become the Thane of Cawdor; Macbeth will become king; and Banquo’s children will be hier to the throne.Macbeth then finds almost immediately that he is now theThane of Cawdor.

Macbeth and Lady Macbethmurder King Duncan that night so that the prophecy can be fulfilled and Macbeth can become king.

Macbeth

Banquo

As Macbeth is afraid the witches’ other prophecy that Banquo’s children will become heir to the throne, will come true, he sends two assassins to kill Banquo and Banquo’s son.Macbeth is later haunted by visions of Banquo’s ghost.

Macbeth visits the witches a second time and they make three more prophecies: Macbeth should fear Macduff; Macbeth cannot be harmed by anyone born of a woman; and Macbeth will not be defeated untilBirnam Woodmoves toDunsinane

Macbeth listens to the first warning and has Macduff and his family murdered to be completely safe. However,Macduff has gone away so the murderers kill Macduff’s wife and children.Macduff vows to avenge Macbeth and raises an army against him.

Macbeth is fixated on the witches’ prophecies believing he can't be beaten until ‘Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane’. Meanwhile, Macduff's army starts to march towards the castle, camouflaged incut down branches from Birnam Wood.