Act 5, Scene 1: At Macbeths castle, a gentlewoman (Lady Macbeths servant) speaks to a doctor about Lady Macbeths strange somnambulatory behavior. While the two are talking, they suddenly observe Lady Macbeth sleepwalking. She vigorously rubs her hands, as if trying to wash away a stain of some sort. Lady Macbeth sighs, weeps and mutters …
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Act 4, Scene 2: Lady Macduff asks Ross why her husband has suddenly fled to England. She is not aware of the troubles between Macbeth and Macduff and does not realize that she is in danger. Lady Macduff decides that her husband left his family because he did not love them anymore. Ross tries to …
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Act 3, Scene 6: Lennox and another lord discuss the macabre atmosphere in the palace. Lennox notes that everyone who has been in contact with Macbeth is now dead or has disappeared-King Duncan, Banquo, Macduff, Fleance, Donalbain and Malcolm. He is glad that Malcolm and Donalbain are not near Macbeth and thus not vulnerable to …
Macbeth: Novel Summary: Act 3, Scene 6-Act 4, Scene 1 Read More »
Act 3, Scene 4: The banquet has begun and Macbeth warmly invites his guests to sit down and partake of the food. One of the murderers enters the room and tells Macbeth that Banquo is dead but Fleance still lives. Macbeth becomes angry and afraid. He orders the murderer to come back tomorrow to discuss …
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Act 3, Scene 2: Lady Macbeth and her husband talk about the present state of affairs in the palace. Macbeth is restless even though King Duncan is dead-he feels that Banquo is a serious threat to his sovereignty. Lady Macbeth is surprised by his plans to kill Banquo and Fleance, and thinks that these additional …
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Act 2, Scene 4: An old man tells Ross that he has never before seen a stranger night. Although it is technically day, the country is still covered with darkness. The shrieks of ominous creatures pervade the land. Macduff enters and tells Ross that the Norwegians are the main suspects for the murder. He thinks …
Macbeth: Novel Summary: Act 2, Scene 4-Act 3, Scene 1 Read More »
Act 2, Scene 2: After killing Duncan, Macbeth enters his private chambers where Lady Macbeth is anxiously awaiting him. The shrieks of owls and the cries of crickets, both evil omens, pierce the air as Macbeth narrates to her the gruesome details of the murder. He tells his wife that Donalbain cried “Murder!” and that …
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Act 1, Scene 7: Macbeth is confused about his course of action. He wishes that Duncans murder were an end in itself, tying up all loose ends with the result of sovereignty. Macbeth also wonders whether the crime is worth all of his effort; for a few moments of mortal pleasure, he may be condemned …
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Act 1, Scene 5: Lady Macbeth reads aloud Macbeths letter that details his encounter with the weird sisters. Full of determination and love for her husband, she resolves to convince Macbeth to carry through with the planned murders. She says that Macbeth is too kind and gentle to commit such an act, whereas she is …
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Act 1, Scene 3: Now that the witches prophecy has been realized, they reconvene at the predetermined heath. The first witch explains to the others why she was late in coming. Angered at the impudence of a sailors wife in not giving her chestnuts, the first witch vows to seek revenge on the sailor, making …
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