Macbeth

Roles

• Macbeth - Adult (36-50), Male

About this piece

Macbeth has a vision of a dagger

Summary

Scottish generals Macbeth and Banquo defeat two opposing armies in battle, an Irish and a Norwegian army. Learning about Macbeth's valor in the battle, the king of Scotland, King Duncan, decides to reward him by giving him the title of the Thane of Cawdor, a title that he takes away from the previous thane who betrayed the Scots by fighting for the Norwegians. On their way back to their base, Macbeth and Banquo run into three witches that prophecise that Macbeth one day will be king and Banquo's descendants will be kings. They also call Macbeth "Thane of Cawdor" which surprises him since he still doesn't know about the king's decision. He is even more surprised when, arriving at the base camp, learns that the king has just given him the title of the Thane of Cawdor, thus wondering if he will really become king one day. Macbeth goes back to his castle in Inverness and tells his wife what happened. Lady Macbeth encourages him to do anything in his power to become king, even if it means killing King Duncan. Duncan will shortly be visiting their castle. Lady Macbeth tells her husband about a plan she has thought to kill the king and cast the guilt upon the king's chamberlains. Macbeth agrees to go ahead with her plan but is not too sure about it. He is afraid and has doubts. In this monologue Macbeth, after meeting Banquo and his son, is alone in a dark room and sees a dagger floating in the air. He tries to grab it but he can't do it. He then sees blood in it. He realizes it is a manifestation of his fear of what he is about to do. The bell rings, that is the signal that it is the time to go to Duncan's chamber and stab him. He leaves.

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