The Historical Macbeth

Macbeth was written for King James (the same as the one who commissioned the King James Version of the Bible). King James was really into the occult and the fantastical. This why there are so many spells and witches.

This play is based on history (from Raphael Holinshed's Chronicles). The actual history (according to Holinshed) and the play are a bit different from each other (much in the same way Disney changed history in their Poccohauntus movie). There are, however, several events which were the same.

Macbeth was indeed Thane of Glamis. He did quell a rebellion from the Thane of Cawdor. On his way back, Banquo and Macbeth do actually meet three old women who give them the prophecies. After he fulfilled the first prophecy by becoming the Thane of Cawdor, he and Banquo begin to see about him becoming King. They and a few trusted friends kill King Duncan. After this, The King's two sons fled for their lives. For Macbeth's defense, he felt that Duncan was too lax on law breakers and so he made sure that laws were made and upheld. He was also very liberal with the kingdom's money in order to insure that the nobles liked him.

Unfortunately, Macbeth's mean nature began to show. He also began to think about Banquo's prophecy and decided that he did not like the idea of Banquo's descendants becoming kings while his own children would go without. He invited Banquo and his son, Fleance, to dinner and hired some men to murder them. They half succeeded. Banquo was murdered, but Fleance fled to Wales and remained. Sure enough, the House of Stewart, a great ruling family of England, are descendants of Banquo. Macbeth began to be paranoid and took several methods to avoid allow any other to do him harm. Several people were executed that Macbeth felt were a danger to him. His people were ruled under a tryanny.

He had a castle, called Dunsinane, built on top of a steep hill. Every thane had to send workers to build part of it. Many of the thanes did not like this because it was very hard work. Thane Macduff pushed all the Thanes to work hard. When it was Macduff's turn to send his workers, he sent the very best with all the provisions and bade them to work harder than any others. Macbeth became offended, however, when Macduff did not come himself. After a while, Macbeth grew to hate Macduff. He sought the advice of a witch that he respected. She told him that he could not be killed except by a man who was not born of woman, and until the woods of Bernane (a forest surrounding the castle) came to Dunsinane. Since Macbeth believed that this could never happen, he felt safe and secure. Macbeth began to be completely outrageous with his actions, causing Macduff to realize that a new king was needed.

Macduff went to England to reclaim Malcom and bring him back. Macbeth, who had spies everywhere, heard about this. Macbeth had Macduff's wife and children killed.

Meanwhile, Macduff found Malcom and told him of Scotland's plight. Malcom said, you would not want me as your king, for I would seek to deflower all of your maidens. Macduff though it over a bit and siad that since Macbeth had killed so many men, there were enough women to make it worth while. Then Malcom said that he was very greedy and would desire all the land and riches, to the point that he would kill many nobles. Macduff said that this was indeed a worse fault. However, it still could not be as bad as Macbeth and that there would be gold and riches enough in Scotland to satisfy his greedy desires. Malcom then said that he is very tricky and deceitful and will betray almost any trust given to him. Macduff said that this was too much and that Scotland would be better off with Macbeth. Here, Malcom said, I was just jesting with you. I have none of these downfalls. They then set off to reclaim the kingdom.

Macduff had his army camp out in the Bernane wood. The next day they each took a branch from the forest and used it to hide their coming. Macbeth thought about this but still stayed calm since he felt he could not be slain. When Macduff came to kill Macbeth, he was told the prophecy. Macduff laughed and said that he was not born of woman since he was ripped out of the womb instead of birthed. Then he slew Macbeth and hung his head on a pole.

Witches

During this time, the audience would know exactly what was going on during the scene with the witches. King James was was king during this time and he was very interested in the occult. During Shakespeare's time, anywhere from 4,500 to 8,000 women were burned at the stake as witches.

King James was a witch hunter himself. He had an incident that put fear of withces in him. On a return trip from Norway in which King James had picked up his bride, the ship ran into many troubles. Several women were arrested and charged with trying to sink the ship using witchcraft. King James personally attended the trial. They told him that they indeed did try to sink the boat and that they had sailed out into the ocean on sieves (a noodle strainer). King James did not believe this tale until one of them told him, word for word, what he had said to his bride on thier marriage night. This spooked King James so bad that he made sure they were killed. In fact, one woman was found innocent, and King James persuaded the jury to reconsider. They did and she was found guilty. All were executed. You can see where Shakespeare used this story in the play.

Symbolism plays a major role. Look for clothing symbolism. Here is an example:

After Macbeth is first addressed as Thane of Cawdor, he is confused and says, "The Thane of Cawdor lives; why do you dress me/ In borrowed robes?"

Another example would be when Banquo talks about how stunned Macbeth is to be called Thane of Cawdor:
"Look, how our partner's rapt.
New honors come upon him
Like our strange garmets, cleave not to their mold
But with the aid of use."
In other words, just as new clothes don't quite fit like old broken in ones, Macbeth doesn't seem like he fits the Thane of Cawdor role.

Another example is after Macbeth tells Lady Macbeth that he decides not to kill Duncan:
"We will proceed no further in this business.
He hath honored me of late; and I have bought
Golden opinions from all sorts of people,
Which would be worn now in their newest gloss,
Not cast aside so soon."

After seeing Macbeth struggling with his conscience, he says this which shows that Macbeth should not be king:
"Now does he feel his title
Hang loose upon him, like a giant's robe
Upon a dwarfish thief."
In other words, just as a giants robe does not fit a dwarf who stole it, the grandness of kingship does not fit the lowly murderer Macbeth.

There are others. See if you can spot them as you read.

Cast of Characters

Duncan - king of Scotland
Malcolm - his son, Prince of Cumberland
Donalbain - the king's other son
Macbeth - Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor
Banquo - a nobleman, friend of Macbeth
Fleance - Banquo's son
Macduff - a nobleman
Lennox - a nobleman
Ross - a nobleman
Menteith - a nobleman
Angus - a nobleman
Caithness - a nobleman
Siward - Earl of Northumberland, general of the English forces
Young Siward - his son
Seyton - an officer and attendant to Macbeth
Macduff's son
An English Doctor
A Scottish Doctor
A Porter
Three Murderers
Lady Macbeth - Macbeth's wife
Lady Macduff - Macduff's wife
A Gentlewoman who serves Lady Macbeth
Hecate - Goddess of the witches
Witches - The old hags, also called the weird sisters, who tell Macbeth the future
Apparitions - ghosts
Lords, Officers, Soliders, Attendants, and Messengers

List of Acts and Scenes

After such a serious scene, Shakespeare gives a bit of comic relief. Here, he shows the porter (a servant) trying to open the door. The porter is drunk and imagines that he is opening the gates of hell. Not slap-stick comedy, but a light hearted moment. Some say that the porter is the devil himself and that is why the play is cursed. Finally he opens the door for Macduff and Lennox, two noblemen. Macbeth comes in and talks to the noblemen. They have come to get King Duncan. They talk about how rough the night was. They mention several things of importance that happened the night before. They are:

1) Harsh winds - enough to blow over chimneys
2) Strange noises - the wind sounded like crying and death screams
3) Eerie voices that sounded as if they were prophecying
4) Owls hooted all night long (remember the symbolism)
5) The earth shook as if it had a fever

It is outside of Macbeth's castle. Ross and an old man are talking about the disturbances in nature last night. They mention:

it is still dark even though it is morning,
a falcon is killed by a mouse-hunting owl, and
Duncan's horses went wild and ate each other.

Macduff enters and tells them that Duncan was murdered by the guards that Macbeth killed. He says that they were bribed by Malcolm and Donalbain (they are under suspicion since they ran away). He also tells them that Macbeth will be the new king. Macduff reveals that he does not have much faith in Macbeth's ability to rule. Macduff will not go to watch Macbeth being crowned.

These signs once again show the unholy act of the king's murder.

Act III

Scene i

In the castle, Banquo ponders that Macbeth's prophecy has come true, even if he may have used some foul play to get it. If Macbeth's prophecy came true, what about his own? He resolves to think more on this later. Enter Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, and the lords and attendants. Macbeth invites him to a feast tonight. Banquo says he must ride off to attend some of his duties, but he promises to be there in time for supper. All leave and Macbeth reveals to us that he fears Banquo. He begins to replay the events of the witches in his mind and convinces himself that Banquo has been jealous of his kingship all along. Then he begins to get angry that he is damning his soul for Banquo's children, since the prophecy states that Banquo will be the father of kings. He calls for two murderers to review plans to kill Banquo and Fleance. Both men are so mad at their low level of life, that they easily accept Macbeth's story that puts Banquo as the reason for their lowly state.

Act III

Scene ii

Macbeth and Lady Macbeth talk. She scolds him for thinking about Duncan still. He claims that his worry is with Banquo and Fleance. Lady Macbeth explains that there are ways to handle them as well. Macbeth still whines about them.

Act III

Scene iii

Outside the castle at night, three murderers wait. The first two ask the third one why he is here. He replies that Macbeth sent him. Banquo and Fleance arrives, the murderers jump thema nd kill Banquo. Fleance survives and flees.

The third murderer is up for debate. Who is he? Literally, he is a guy hired to make sure the first two did their job. Some scholars say that it is Macbeth himself trying to make sure the job was done properly. Some even suggest that Lady Macbeth is the third murderer trying to make sure that Macbeth's plans work, especially after his repeated worrying in the last scene. Some say it is one of the witches trying to make sure that Fleance escapes. Does it matter? Not to the plot of the story, but it does make for interesting thinking.

Act III

Scene iv

Inside the castle, the feast starts and Macbeth seats the guests. The first murderer comes in and tells Macbeth what happened. Macbeth is very upset that Fleance escaped. He returns to feast and shows a little disdain at Banquo's rudeness for not arriving on time. Banquo's ghost arrives and sits in Macbeth's chair. No one sees it but Macbeth, and Macbeth starts to yell at the ghost. In order to assure the guests, Lady Macbeth says it is nothing, just a little fit, it will pass. This happens again. Macbeth dismisses everyone. He discusses with Lady Macbeth about the absence of Macduff. He says that he has spies everywhere and will find out the information. He also says he will consult the witches again.

Act III

Scene v

The three witches gather around Hecate, goddess of witchcraft. Hecate is really upset that they are meddling with Macbeth.

Many scholars say that this scene was never in the original, but addedlater by someone else. One of the reasonings is that this scene is not needed. Another is the difference in the rhyme scheme and line length.

Act III

Scene vi

Outiside the castle, Lennox ironically talks about the current state of affairs. We can read between the lines that he does not believe that Malcolm and Donalbain had their father killed any more than he believes that Banquo was killed by Fleance. He points out that Macbeth has gained all for the current horrific acts. A Lord comes in. They discuss Malcolm's fleeing to England and how he has the favor of the King of England. Macbeth is really upset at this and is preparing for war. We learn that Macduff has refused to aid in this battle. Macbeth has promised that he'll be sorry.

Act IV

Scene i

The three witches appear. They dance around a cauldron and put in several items. Hecate comes in and praises them and leaves again. Macbeth comes and demands themt o tell him more of the future. Four apparitions (illusions) appear.

The first is a helmuted head. This floating head warns Macbeth to beware of Macduff.
The second is a bloody child. It tells Macbeth to laugh at men and fear not, for he cannot be harmed by anyone born of woman.
The third one is a crowned child with a branch in its hand. It tells Macbeth that he cannot be conquered until the forest around his castle moves to attack it.
The fourth is the ghost of Banquo leading a processions of kings, the last one with a mirror to show that the line goes on.

The witches vanish and Macbeth is stunned. Lennox comes riding up. Macbeth wants to know if he saw the witches and Lennox says, "Nope!" Lennox tells Macbeth that Macduff has gone to England to get Malcolm.

The ingredients that are put into the pot show how awful these witches really are. The chant here is the famous "Double, double toil and trouble" chant. Make sure that read it. If you have one of the parallel versions, you can really see how the poetry of Shakespeare's language has a greatter effect. Some scholars think that this Hecate visit was also added in. When Macbeth comes, the withces say, "By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes." This shows that Macbeth is indeed to blame for his actions. He has become evil. Ray Bradbury also used that line as the title for a book.

It would seem that the apparitions give Macbeth a phophecy where no one can hurt him. This is a tragedy so we know the Macbeth will die. There are hints in the appearence of each apparition of how it can come to pass. The apparition about the ghostly kings is a tribute to King James. King James is a descendent of Banquo. The line of kings shows Banquo's line as royalty (the House of Stuart) and the mirror is Shakespeare sucking up to King James by saying that King James's line will continue to rule for several generations.

Some say that since Lennox did not see the witches that this means Macbeth was hallucination the whole thing. In fact, some say that Macbeth sees the witches with Banquo and all else is his imagination, since he also imagined floating daggars and the ghost of Banquo.

Act IV

Scene ii

Macduff's castle. Ross tells Lady Macduff that Macduff has fled. She is a bit angry that he did not think to stay and protect her or take her with him. Ross leaves. Lady Macduff and her son talk a bit and a murderer comes in and attacks. He kills the boy but Lady Macduff escapes.

Act IV

Scene iii

Macduff and Malcolm talk. Macduff asks Malcolm to come back and be king. Malcolm responds by saying that he thinks King Edward may help him get his throne back. However, he tells Macduff that should he become king, things will be worse. He says he will be more evil than Macbeth. Macduff says that no one is more evil than Macbeth, they will settle for Malcolm's evil. Malcolm says he is lustful beyond belief. He says he will, "deflower," all the maids in Scotland. Macduff says that there are plenty of women in Scotland. Malcolm says that he is so greedy that he would take all of the lands from the nobles. Macduff says that it is still better than to have Macbeth as king. Malcolm says that would do all he could to disrupta nd turn Scotland into a bloody war. Macduff finally says that it is useless. He agrees that Malcolm is not fit to live, much less be king and that they would be better off under Macbeth. Malcolm says that he was just joking and was testing Macduff. Evidentally Macbeth has tried to trick him before into coming out to reclaim the throne. He has none of those bad qualities and he will be Scotland's king. Ross comes in and tells Macduff that Macbeth had Macduff's wife, kids, servants, aids, everyone killed.

Act V

Scene i

A doctor and a lady servant watch as Lady Macbeth sleeps. She sleepwalks and during her sleepwalk scene, she constantly tries to wash her hands. She comments that she never thought he would have so much blood. She also mentions that Macduff had a wife and wonders where she is now. She continues to scrub her hands in vain. After confessing Banquo's murder, she goes to sleep.

Lady Macbeth is much weaker than thought of before. She cannot handle the guilt placed on her for her deeds. We now have a complete reversal with Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Some say that Lady Macbeth may have been the messenger that warned Lady Macduff. They say this because Lady Macbeth talks about Lady Macduff in the sleepwalking scene yet she doesn't ever actually appear with Lady Macduff in the play.

Act V

Scene ii

In a field outside Macbeth's castle, several Englishmen and several Scottishmen assemble to to battle against Macbeth.

Act V

Scene iii

Inside of Macbeth's castle, Macbeth rants and raves about how he is not scared of those who come against him since they were all born of woman. A servant comes to tell him of the coming army and Macbeth pounds him with insults for being so scared.

Act V

Scene iv

The outside army hide in Birnam wood, the forest outside of Macbeth's castle, Dunsinane. Malcolm orders every soldier to cut off a branch and hide behind it to conceal their numbers as they approach the castle.

Third prophecy comes true.

Act V

Scene v

Back inside the castle, Macbeth hears a woman scream. A seyton goes to check it out and returns to tell him that Lady Macbeth is dead. Macbeth delivers a speech showing that he believes he has been played by fate. A messenger comes in and tells Macbeth that the forest is marching against the castle! Macbeth is furious and calls for all to get ready for battle.

This speech Macbeth gives is one of the most quoted speeches in Shakespeare. It shows that he has not and will not realize that this is his fault. He clings the fact that life is unfair.

Act V

Scene vi

Malcolm and Macduff's army reach the castle.

Act V

Scene vii

A battlefield near the castle. Macbeth comes in and kills a young soldier. Macbeth clearly is clinging to the man born of woman prophecy. He exits and Macduff enters. Macduff is ranting and raving about his murdered family. Siward and Malcolm enter. The Siward tells Macduff that once Macbeth left the castle, all the soldiers their gave up without a fight. Malcolm says on the battlefield, Macbeth's army has been delibertly missing them. It seems no one wishes for Macbeth to be king, not even his own side!

Act V

Scene viii

In front of the castle, Macbeth professes that he will not commit suicide to avoid the enemies. He will kill all of the armies himself if he has to. Macduff enters and challenges him. They fight for a while. Macbeth tells Macduff that he can only be killed by a man not born of woman. Macduff reveals that he was born via Caesarean delivery (where the doctor cuts open the mom and removes the baby); ergo, he was not born of a woman. Macbeth curses the witches and then tells Macduff he does not wish to fight him. Macduff demands his surrender. Macbeth refuses and fights Macduff. Macduff eventually kills Macbeth. Macduff exits with the body of Macbetha nd we see Malcolm and others. They talk about how this war was won with very little loss of life. The Siward is told that his son is dead. He asks if the wounds were in the front. Since they were, he is happy for his boy, he died a man. Macduff enters carrying Macbeth's head on a pole. Malcolm is declared king of Scotland.

I know, a cheap ending to the not born of woman prophecy!

Not enough synopsis of the play for you? Need more study notes? Try these links:

• Gross Macbeth This is the best site (besides mine!)
  
  
• Macbeth Plugged Another great site
  
  
• Spark Notes
  
  
• Macbeth - or How to Kill Kings and Injure People
  
  
• All Shakespeare
  
  
• Encyclopedia Brittanica includes video and audio
  
  
• Macbeth in Modern English (not exactly, but close)
  
  
• Study Questions
  
  
• An Online Presentation Neat but with those annoying Angelfire popups
  
  
• Animated by Scenes
  
  

One guy (Fred Wolfe) tried to rewrite Macbeth using limericks. Here are some of the limericks:

We unfold the sad tale of Macbeth.
Who was Scotch (you could tell by his breath).
His enormous ambition
Caused a sickly condition -
With no future (a bad case of death).

Duncan's sons thought they should seek protection
So each split in a different direction.
Mac. was crowned king of Scots.
No one dared to draw lots.
Beats the [heck] out of holding elections!

Cat named Banquo posed Macbeth a threat
But his Mrs. said: "Mac., there's no sweat.
Have a Syndicate pair
Take him out of our hair.
I dig playing The Palace, my pet."

Banquo's ghost showed and Mac's nerves were shot.
At a banquet appeared the dead Scot.
All the guests gathered there
Heard Mac rap with a chair.
Figured he was flipped out on some pot.

Macbeth cried: "I am doomed. My, oh, me, oh!
Must consult with that wild witchy trio."
They gave Macbeth some hope.
Was a bum horoscope.
He was Aries (they thought he was Leo).

Macduff's army used trees for a shield.
Camouflaged they then crossed the whole field.
Mac. - Alack and alas!
Thought 'twas hippies with grass.
From Macduff's sword, he fatally reeled.

I know, not Shakespeare, but thought you might like it.

You could try Star Wars Meets Macbeth

This picture is from the Roman Polansky version. If you want to watch a film of it, this is the best one out there. Warning, it is bloody.

EXTRA CREDIT # 1 What is the name of Lady Macbeth? It is not in the play, but it is the name of the real Lady Macbeth! Get your answer to Mr. Alford.

EXTRA CREDIT # 2 What is wrong with the following picture?

Hail to thee, one who studies! Thou hast made it to the bottom of this page and shall be rewarded above all!

The short answer questions on the test are as follows:

• In your opinion, who is most at fault in this play? Back up your answer with examples from the book.
  
• Tragedy is composed of a tragic hero who commits a tragic flaw, a part of his/her character that brings about thier downfall. Macbeth is the tragic hero in this play. Explain what you think is his tragic flaw. Use examples from the play.
  
• Give two examples of the "fair is foul, foul is fair" theme.
  
• Who do you think is the third murderer? Why? Give examples from the play.
  

Here are some of the quotes that appear on the test:

"Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none."

"If chance will have me King, why, chance may crown me, without my stir."

"Your face, my Thane, is as a book where men may read strange matters."

"But wherefore could I not pronounce 'Amen'? I had most need of blessing, and 'Amen' stuck in my throat."

The chart should have what each apparition looks like, says, and how what was said comes true.

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