The Plot of Macbeth

Shakespeare’s Macbeth is a tragedy about ambition, power, and downfall. The play follows Macbeth, a Scottish nobleman, as he descends from a loyal warrior to a ruthless tyrant, leading to his inevitable destruction.

Summary of the Main Events

Beginning: The Prophecy and Macbeth’s Ambition

  • The play opens with three witches predicting that Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland.
  • Soon after, King Duncan rewards Macbeth’s bravery in battle by making him Thane of Cawdor, proving the witches’ prophecy partly true.
  • Encouraged by Lady Macbeth, Macbeth murders King Duncan in his sleep to seize the throne.

Key Turning Point #1: Duncan’s Murder

  • This is the moment Macbeth crosses a moral line—he kills an innocent, respected king.
  • It marks the start of his downfall as he becomes obsessed with power and paranoia.

Middle: Macbeth’s Tyranny and Paranoia

  • Macbeth, now king, is haunted by guilt and starts fearing that others might take his throne.
  • He hires assassins to murder Banquo and his son Fleance, as Banquo’s descendants were also prophesied to be kings. Banquo is killed, but Fleance escapes.
  • At a banquet, Macbeth sees Banquo’s ghost, showing his growing instability.
  • He visits the witches again, and they give him more prophecies:
    1. Beware Macduff.
    2. No man born of a woman can harm Macbeth.
    3. Macbeth will not be defeated until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane Hill.

Key Turning Point #2: The Second Prophecy

  • Macbeth misinterprets the witches’ words, believing he is invincible.
  • He becomes even more ruthless, killing Macduff’s family and ruling with terror.

End: Macbeth’s Downfall and Death

  • Lady Macbeth, overwhelmed by guilt, goes mad and dies.
  • Macduff and Malcolm (Duncan’s son) lead an army to overthrow Macbeth.
  • Soldiers camouflage themselves with branches from Birnam Wood, making the witches’ prophecy come true.
  • Macduff reveals he was born via C-section (not naturally), meaning he can kill Macbeth.
  • Macbeth is killed by Macduff, and Malcolm is crowned king, restoring order.

Key Turning Point #3: Macbeth’s Death

  • The witches’ prophecies were misleading—Macbeth trusted them too much, which led to his downfall.
  • His death is the final punishment for his ambition and tyranny.

Conclusion

Macbeth is a story of how ambition, unchecked by morality, can lead to self-destruction. Each turning point—Duncan’s murder, the second prophecy, and Macbeth’s death—pushes the play further into darkness, showing the consequences of power without limits.