Macbeth learns that Macduff is fled to England, so he arranges the death of Macduff’s wife and children. They then show a line of eight kings deriving from Banquo. They tell him that he should fear Macduff, that no man born of woman can hurt Macbeth, and that he will never be vanquished until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane. Macbeth decides to return to the witches to find out his fate. At a dinner that night, where Banquo would have been the chief guest, Macbeth is terrified by the appearance of his ghost. He arranges with a group of murderers to kill Banquo and his son Fleance they succeed with Banquo, but Fleance escapes. Macbeth is concerned about his position, very aware of the prophecies about Banquo.

Soon after, Ross and Macduff reflect on what has happened, and Macduff reports that Macbeth has been made king. Malcolm and Donalbain, fearing blame for their father’s death, flee abroad. He discovers the dead king and rouses the castle. Macduff arrives, and has a brief exchange with the Porter. They retire when they hear repeated knocking at the castle gates. She finds herself having to return the daggers he has used to Duncan’s bedroom, and her hands become covered with blood too. He murders Duncan, making it seem that the servants were to blame and describes the scene to his wife. After initial enthusiasm, Macbeth changes his mind, but Lady Macbeth persuades him to carry out the deed. Lady Macbeth, seeing the opportunity, plots with her husband how they might kill Duncan when he arrives. Macbeth writes to his wife telling her of what has happened and the King’s plans.

Macbeth is then greatly impressed when he is greeted by Ross and Angus with the title of Cawdor.ĭuncan greets Macbeth with great praise and proposes to visit him. They predict Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor, and one day king, and that Banquo will be the father of kings. The witches gather on a heath and meet the generals returning from the war.

King Duncan hears a report of how his generals Macbeth and Banquo defeated the Norwegians and the Scottish rebels. Three witches anticipate a meeting with Macbeth.

Macbeth by William Shakespeare