Macbeth and Banquo, generals in King Duncan’s army, meet three witches who appear to
them on the fringes of the battlefield. They prophesize that Macbeth will be crowned King
and Banquo’s descendants will rule Scotland. As soon as the witches vanish a messenger
from the King announces Macbeth’s new title: Thane of Cawdor, a part of the witch’s
prediction. Macbeth and Banquo ponder anew what this could mean.
Lady Macbeth, upon hearing of her husband’s prophesized destiny, determines she will
do all she can to see it fulfilled. When it is announced that the King Duncan will be their
guest that night, she and Macbeth plot to murder the King while he sleeps. After the deed
is done Lady Macbeth smears King Duncan’s blood on the daggers of his sleeping guards.
Once the King’s body is discovered, before anyone can question him, Macbeth kills the
sleeping guards, decrying their bloody daggers as guilt of the deed. The nobleman Macduff
discovers the bodies. Duncan’s sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, flee Scotland and Macbeth
is named King—the prophecy is realized. Macbeth’s satisfaction is short lived. Fearing
Banquo’s suspicions, Macbeth arranges to have him and his son Fleance killed, thus
thwarting the witches’ prophecy. Banquo is killed but Fleance escapes. Banquo’s ghost
returns to haunt Macbeth, driving him to the brink of madness. Macbeth again visits the
witches who tell him to beware of Macduff and that he shall not be vanquished till Birnam
Wood marches to Dunsinane. Macbeth orders the slaughter of Macduff’s family.
Lady Macbeth’s troubled conscience torments her; she sees blood upon her hands that
cannot be washed away. Succumbing to her demons, she commits suicide. Macduff
challenges Macbeth and slays him. Malcolm —the true heir to the throne—is crowned
King of Scotland.
SYNOPSIS
MACBETH
5
