Macbeth

Roles

• Macbeth - Adult (36-50), Male

About this piece

Macbeth wonders if his life might be in danger

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 by getting them drunk, smearing blood on them and placing bloody daggers in their room. Macbeth agrees to go ahead with her plan but is not too sure about it. He is afraid and has doubts but he goes ahead with the plan and stabs the king in his sleep. After Duncan's body is discovered Macbeth, feigning rage, kills the chamberlains. Everybody falls for the plot and they all think the chamberlains are responsible. The king's sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, flee to Ireland since they think their life might be in danger. Now that the witches' prophecy about Macbeth has come true, Macbeth ponders about Banquo's prophecy, that is his children will be kings. In this monologue Macbeth expresses his uneasiness about Banquo and his sons, thinking that his life in now at risk and that they might try to murder him.

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