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A brief overview of the plot and themes of Shakespeare's Macbeth, a tragedy about a Scottish general who murders his way to the throne. Learn about the witches' prophecies, Lady Macbeth's ambition, Macbeth's downfall, and the final battle for Scotland.
- Video Summary
Need to read Macbeth but only have 10 minutes? Watch our...
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- Suggestions for Further Reading
Hawkes, Terence, ed. Twentieth-Century Interpretations of...
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From a general summary to chapter summaries to explanations...
- Setting
Macbeth is set during the 11th century in Scotland, in the...
- Symbols
Symbols are objects, characters, figures, and colors used to...
- Themes
Themes are the fundamental and often universal ideas...
- Antagonist
Duncan opposes Macbeth by holding the throne Macbeth...
- Video Summary
Sep 5, 2023 · Macbeth Summary. Shakespeare’s Macbeth tells the story of Macbeth, a Scottish lord who receives a prophecy saying that he will become King of Scotland. Here are some...
LitCharts provides a comprehensive overview of Macbeth by William Shakespeare, a tragedy about a Scottish thane who murders his way to the throne. Learn the main events, themes, characters, and literary devices of each act, and read a modern English translation of the text.
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Three witches tell the Scottish general Macbeth that he will be King of Scotland. Encouraged by his wife, Macbeth kills the king, becomes the new king, and kills more people out of paranoia. Civil war erupts to overthrow Macbeth, resulting in more death.
On a bleak Scottish moorland, Macbeth and Banquo, two of King Duncan's generals, discover three strange women (witches). The witches prophesy that Macbeth will be promoted twice: to Thane of Cawdor (a rank of the aristocracy bestowed by grateful kings) and King of Scotland. Banquo's descendants will be kings, but Banquo isn't promised any kingdom h...
Macbeth becomes King of Scotland but is plagued by feelings of insecurity. He remembers the prophecy that Banquo's descendants will inherit the throne and arranges for Banquo and his son Fleance to be killed. In the darkness, Banquo is murdered, but his son escapes the assassins. At his state banquet that night, Macbeth sees the ghost of Banquo and...
Learn the plot of Macbeth, a Scottish general who murders his way to the throne and faces a prophecy of doom. Read the character summaries, the witches' prophecies, and the famous quotes from the play.
Macbeth and Banquo, who are generals serving King Duncan of Scotland, meet the Weird Sisters, three witches who prophesy that Macbeth will become thane of Cawdor, then king, and that Banquo will beget kings.
- David Bevington
Learn about the plot, themes, and characters of Macbeth, one of Shakespeare's darkest and most psychologically intense plays. Find summaries, analyses, quizzes, and more to help you understand and appreciate this classic work.
Learn about the plot, characters, and themes of Macbeth, Shakespeare's tragedy about a Scottish warrior who murders his way to the throne. Find out how Macbeth is haunted by guilt, ambition, and prophecy until he meets his fate.
