Macbeth plot summary - -The play follows the progress of the title character as he becomes more powerful. He uses any means to get what he wants, including murder -Macbeth is encouraged by his wife Lady Macbeth who is ruthless and bloodthirsty -However, at the end of the play, Macbeth’s world falls apart and he is defeated, therefore declaring a new king, Malcolm Social and historical context - -Shakespeare wrote Macbeth in approximately 1606 -The early 17th century was a time of political upheaval, superstition and suspicion -A new king had just come into power and the future of the country seemed to be uncertain and the play reflects this Key plot detail - -When returning from a battle victory, the powerful lord Macbeth meets three witches who predicted that he will become the king of Scotland -Macbeth tells his wife of the witches predictions and she encourages him to murder Duncan, the current king, who is staying with them as a guest -After the murder is discovered by Macduff, Duncan’s sons flee the country which lead the way clear for Macbeth to become king -Macbeth’s best friend Banquo becomes suspicious of what his friend has done so Macbeth has him murdered too -Macbeth pays a second visit to the witches and receives more predictions -In England, Duncan’s eldest son Malcolm and his chief supporter, Macduff, plan to invade Scotland to win back the throne. An enraged Macbeth has Macduff’s wife and children killed, leading to Macduff swearing revenge -Lady Macbeth suffers from guilt for what she has done and eventually commits suicide -Malcolm's invasion is a success and Macbeth is killed by Macduff. Malcolm therefore becomes the new king of Scotland and the country counts the cost of Macbeth’s short but bloody reign Fate and murder - Fate - -Macbeth, the powerful thane of Glamis, has led the Scottish army of King Duncan to victory against an invading force and had personally fought bravely -As Macbeth returns from the battle with his best friend, Banquo, they meet three witches. They predict that Macbeth will be made Thane of Cawdor, which is a higher position than he currently holds, and then he will eventually become the king of Scotland
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