Macbeth Summary Notes

1. Act 1-3 Macbeth Summary Notes

2. Scene 1 Three witches meet and say that they will soon meet with Macbeth Scene 2 On a battlefield King Duncan asks about the current state of the battle Thane of Cawdor is found to be a traitor and is to be put to death. Macbeth (the current Thane of Glamis) is to receive the Thane of Cawdor’s title for his bravery. Act 1

3. Scene 3 Three witches meet with Macbeth and Banquo. They prophesize about Macbeth and Banquo’s futures Scene 4 Thane of Cawdor is executed Duncan announces that Malcom is the heir to his throne Act 1 continued

4. Scene 5 Lady Macbeth reads a letter from Macbeth about the prophecies. She claims that her husband is ambitious, but may be too kind to do what is necessary to gain the crown. Scene 6 Duncan arrives at the castle, and comments on the pleasantness Act 1 continued

5. Scene 7 Macbeth holds a feast for Duncan, during which he begins to have his doubts that he should kill the King. Lady Macbeth convinces him otherwise, and Macbeth decides that he will commit the murder that evening. Act 1 continued

6. Scene 1 Macbeth sees Banquo in the hall at night and they briefly discuss the three witches. Macbeth has a vision of the dagger before him, pointing him in the direction of Duncan. Scene 2 Lady Macbeth hears Macbeth cry out and Macbeth appears with blood on his hands. Having just killed Duncan, Macbeth is quite shaken; Lady Macbeth helps him to collect himself. Act 2

7. Scene 3 Porter stumbles to answer the door for Macduff and Lennox. Duncan’s body is discovered. Macbeth (in his “rage”) kills the 2 guards. Malcomand Donalbain, thinking they may in danger, flee Scotland. Scene 4 Ross and an Old Man walk outside and speak of strange things happening lately (at the same time Macbeth is crowned King) They discuss that Duncan’s son fleeing Scotland makes them look guilty of their father’s murder. Act 2 continued

8. Scene 1 Banquo reflects on the witches’ prophecy. Since they came true for Macbeth, he wonders if his will as well. He tells Macbeth that he is going for a ride that afternoon, before Macbeth’s feast. Two men enter who Macbeth has paid to kill Banquo. Scene 2 Lady Macbeth seems upset, and calls for Macbeth. Macbeth arrives and tells her that he too is upset by the fact that Banquo and Fleance are still a threat to his throne. Act 3

9. Scene 3 The two murderers, plus another, meet in the forest by the palace, waiting for Banquo. When Banquo comes upon them, they kill him and try to get Fleance, but he manages to escape. They go to tell Macbeth of the events. Scene 4 Back at the castle, Macbeth and his wife hold the feast. The murderers arrive and tell Macbeth that Banquo is dead, but Fleance has escaped. The ghost of Banquo appears, and Macbeth is angered by his presence. Macbeth’s (living) guests are alarmed at his action(speaking to a ghost). Lady Macbeth asks them all to leave, telling them that her husband is not well. Macbeth comments on Macduff not coming to the feast, and is angered by it. Act 3 continued

10. Scene 5 The witches meet with Hecate. She is upset that they have been dealing with Macbeth and causing trouble without involving her. The witches decide to try to lure Macbeth into thinking he is safe, and to further lead him astray. Scene 6 Lennox walks with another Lord and they discuss what has been happening. Though Fleance has been blamed for Banquo’s death, these two men suspect Macbeth anyways. They also discuss that Macduff has gone to England to meet with Malcom, and to ask King Edward for help in the Macbeth situation. Act 3