Analysis and Summary of Shakespeare's Tragedy Macbeth

Questo appunto di Letteratura Inglese riguarda la tragedia “Macbeth” di William Shakespeare. L’appunto offre un’introduzione sull’opera e riassume la trama della tragedia atto per atto.

Introduction

"Macbeth" (full title "The Tragedy of Macbeth") is one of Shakespeare's best-known tragedies. The play, which consists of five acts, dramatizes the damaging physical and psychological effects of seeking power for self-interest. It was published in the "Folio" of 1623, probably from a prompt book. Frequently performed and adapted over the centuries, “Macbeth” has become the archetype of unbridled lust for power and its dangers. The play also deals with themes of fate, action and will. “Macbeth” is Shakespeare's shortest tragedy and has often been referred to by critics as his most complex and multifaceted work. For the plot, Shakespeare drew inspiration from Raphael Holinshed's historical account of King Macbeth of Scotland, although the events in the tragedy differ considerably from the history of real Macbeth. It is thought that the tragedy was first performed in 1606.

First Act

Macbeth is a brave general who quells a dangerous revolt in the kingdom of Scotland, making his king very proud of him. He receives a prophecy from three witches, who tell him that he will be Thane (lord) of Cawdor and then king of Scotland. Shortly after, Macbeth really becomes Thane of Cawdor. He sends a message to his wife, Lady Macbeth, to tell her about the witches’ prophecy. Pushed by ambition and by Lady Macbeth, who is thirsty of power, Macbeth decides to kill king Duncan that night. Duncan is celebrating the victory in Macbeth's castle, so it will be easy to kill him and make his servants seem responsible for the crime, while all of them are asleep.

Second Act

While Duncan is sleeping, Macbeth kills him and is shocked by his own action. He is so shaken that Lady Macbeth has to take control of the situation: in accordance with her plan, she places bloody daggers on Duncan’s servants. The following day, Lennox, a Scottish nobleman, and Macduff, Thane of Fife, arrive. Macduff finds Duncan’s body. Macbeth kills the guards to prevent them from proclaiming their innocence. The atmosphere is dreadful. Malcolm and Donalbain, the king's sons, understand that they are in danger and flee to England and Ireland. Their flight makes many people think that they are the ones who ordered the murdering of the king.

Third Act

Macbeth fears Banquo’s suspicions. Banquo is a general who was with him when they met the three witches. The witches predicted that Banquo's son would be king. Macbeth fears that his power is insecure as long as Banquo and his heir, Fleance, are alive. So, he decides to have them murdered and hires three men to kill them. The murderers succeed in killing the general, but Fleance escapes, and Macbeth becomes furious. Later on, Macbeth organizes a party in his castle. Banquo's ghost arrives, and only the new king can see him. Macbeth is scared and acts as if he were mad. Then, the ghost leaves and returns once more, causing the same anger and fear in Macbeth. This time, Lady Macbeth tells the participants to leave.

Fourth Act

Macbeth questions the witches again. To answer his questions, the witches summon three horrible apparitions that speak to the king, offering him more prophecies. The first apparition tells him to beware of Macduff. The second one tells him that no one born of a woman will be able to kill him. Finally, the third apparition says that Macbeth will be safe until Great Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane Hill. Macbeth is relieved because he knows that all men are born of women and forests cannot move. He also asks whether Banquo’s heirs will ever be kings, and he sees a procession of kings all resembling Banquo. He understands that these are Banquo’s descendants, who have become kings in different countries. Then, the witches disappear. Lennox tells Macbeth that Macduff is in England, and Macbeth decides to kill Macduff, his wife and his children. He hires some murderers, who cannot find Macduff but kill his wife and his son.

Fifth Act

Lady Macbeth is tormented by her sense of guilt and she becomes mad. Macduff is informed by Ross that his family have been murdered and wants to take revenge. Malcom, Duncan’s son, has built up an army in England, and Macduff joins him to fight against Macbeth. They are supported by the Scottish nobles, who are frightened by Macbeth’s behaviour. Before going to Dunsinane Castle, the soldiers cut down tree branches in Birnam Wood and carry them to disguise their numbers. So, Birman Wood moves to Dunsinane. Macbeth learns that his wife has committed suicide. The English army attacks Macbeth’s army and castle. Macbeth fights against Macduff and says that he doesn’t fear him, as he cannot be killed by any man born of woman. Macduff tells him that he was not of woman born, but rather “from his mother’s womb / Untimely ripped”, which means that he can kill Macbeth, and he does so. Eventually, Malcolm becomes the new king of Scotland.
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