Macbeth Essay, Research Paper
A. Macbeth and Banquo, Scottish generals, are returning after crushing a rebellion
against Duncan ( King of Scotland ), when they are met by three witches. The witches
prophesy that Macbeth will become thane of Cawdor , then later on he will become King.
Banquo is told that he will never become King, but will be the father of Kings. Macbeth
is horrified, for shortly afterwards a messenger arrives to tell him that Duncan has
created him Thane of Cawdor as a reward for his services.
Macbeth writes the news to his wife. Lady Macbeth reads the letter from
Macbeth, telling her of the prophecies. With reading this she chooses to invite evil spirits
into her to take away her womanhood, she wants to lose her tenderness that is
normally associated with womanhood so that she can help her husband to get the
crown.
Duncan and his followers then arrive at the Castle for a Banquet, to
honour Macbeth further, they remark on how peaceful it looks. After the Banquet when
everyone goes off to bed, Macbeth murders Duncan. When finding out of the death,
Duncan’s two sons fled fearing for their lives, Malcolm headed towards England and
Donabain to Ireland.
Macbeth sends two murderers to kill Banquo, for he fears that the
witches prophecies about Banquo will come true too. Macbeth is scared and confused at
the second Banquet celebrating the coronation, for he sees the
in his seat, everyone thinks he is mad, though Lady Macbeth saves her husband from
revealing her guilt to the guests.
Macbeth goes and visits the witches again asking for another prophecy
and they tell him three things. (1) to beware Macduff, (2) not to fear any man born of
women, (3) that he will not die unless Birnam Wood moves towards Dunsaine Castle.
Macbeth is later informed that Macduff has gone to England, so he then plans to kill all
of Macduff’s family. Macduffs family are murdered, Macduff hears of the terrible news
and plans revenge against Macbeth.
The Scottish contingent are marching to meet the English forces led by
Malcolm and Macduff, to make their attack on Macbeth. Macbeth learns that there are
ten thousand soldiers after him and that his wife had died ( or killed herself ). The
English army arrives at Birnam Wood and Malcolm instructs each solider to cut down a
branch and carry it in front of them to disguise their approach. A servant tells Macbeth
that he had seen the wood move, he goes and looks for himself and realises that one
of the prophecies has come true. The army throw down their branches and prepare for
battle. Macbeth kills Siward. Macduff faces Macbeth and reveals to him that he was born
by Caesarean section.
The prophecies of the witches are fulfilled, Macduff arrives with the head of Macbeth.
Malcolm is proclaimed King.