Lady Macbeth’s behavior has been very peculiar, according to the Gentle woman, and the Doctor is summoned to witness the behavior for himself. Lady Macbeth is responding to her guilty feelings. She is trying to rid herself of her guilt, which takes the form of the blood she is unable to wash from her hands. […]
William Shakespeare | Analysis of Macbeth: Act V. Read More »
Scene 1 The Gentlewoman reports to the Doctor that Lady Macbeth is sleepwalking and her behavior is very strange. The Gentlewoman says that Lady Macbeth gets out of bed, puts on a nightgown, unlocks her closet, writes on a piece of paper, seals the letter and returns to bed. Lady Macbeth says things that the
William Shakespeare | Summary of Macbeth: Act V, Scene 1-8. Read More »
Hecate knows that Macbeth will not question information given to him but will act upon it. Macbeth is given information that he feels will give him immortality. He is ready to believe only what he feels will benefit him, but he is unable to distinguish the “good” from the “bad”. The “Fair is foul and
William Shakespeare | Analysis of Macbeth: Act IV Read More »
Scene 1 The Witches are preparing a magic potion and casting a spell. They chant incantations three times to make sure the charm’s power will be strong. Macbeth greets the Witches and demands that they give him information about the future. The Witches call upon Apparitions to inform Macbeth of his future. The first Apparition
William Shakespeare | Summary of Macbeth: Act IV, Scene 1-3. Read More »
Banquo says Macbeth has attained all the Witches said he would and at great cost to everyone; he feels his own prophecy should come true as well. The friendship between Banquo and Macbeth has been dissolved. Banquo no longer trusts his friend and must be cautious in his presence. Macbeth knows that all the Witches
William Shakespeare | Analysis of Macbeth: Act III Read More »
Scene 1 Banquo says that the prophecy has come true for Macbeth. He would like the prophecy the Witches made about his sons to come true also. Banquo feels that he must appear loyal to Macbeth, yet he does not trust him. Macbeth questions Banquo as to his schedule for the day and says to
William Shakespeare | Summary of Macbeth: Act III, Scene 1-6. Read More »
The second act opens with Banquo and his son, Fleance, walking the halls at Inverness, unable to sleep. Banquo has been plagued by dreams of the Witches. As he walks with Fleance, he hands him the sword and dagger he is wearing. Shakespeare uses this scene to foreshadow Fleance’s eventual assumption of his father’s role.
William Shakespeare | Analysis of Macbeth: Act II Read More »
Scene 1 There is something in the air that disturbs Banquo and Fleance and they cannot sleep. As they discuss the reasons for their inability to sleep, Macbeth joins them. Banquo confesses that he has been dreaming about the prophecy the Witches told them and he is concerned about the evil nature of the Witches.
William Shakespeare | Summary of Macbeth: Act II, Scene 1-4. Read More »
Introducing the play with the Witches in the first scene creates an evil tone and mysterious setting; something sinister is about to happen. Witches were traditionally thought of in Elizabethan times as evil and connected to devil’s work. The supernatural was feared and respected. The Witches statement, “Fair is foul, and foul is fair”, clearly
William Shakespeare | Analysis of Macbeth: Act I Read More »
Scene 5 Lady Macbeth has received a letter from Macbeth stating that he has been named Thane of Cawdor. The letter reveals his ambition to be king and the prophecy given by the Witches. Lady Macbeth discloses her ambitious nature and vows to help Macbeth succeed in his ambition to be crowned King. She receives
William Shakespeare | Summary of Macbeth: Act I, Scene 5-7. Read More »
