73 pages • 2 hours read
Macbeth
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Summary and Study Guide
Overview
Macbeth is one of William Shakespeare’s most celebrated plays. Classified as a tragedy and thought to be performed for the first time in 1606, it tells the story of a Scottish nobleman who becomes obsessed with power and is driven mad by guilt.
Plot Summary
The play opens with three witches, who make plans to meet again. In a military camp, King Duncan of Scotland hears the news of his generals’ success. Macbeth and Banquo have defeated two invading armies (one from Ireland, one from Norway). After their battle, Macbeth and Banquo stumble upon the witches, who prophesize that Macbeth will one day become a thane and King of Scotland, while Banquo will father a dynasty of Scottish kings (without ever being king himself). When the witches vanish, the two men are skeptical. But when Duncan’s men arrive to tell Macbeth that his success has led to the king granting him the title of Thane, Macbeth is intrigued and writes ahead to Lady Macbeth to let her know what has taken place and that King Duncan plans to dine at Macbeth’s castle the following night.
Back in their castle, Lady Macbeth lacks her husband’s skepticism.
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By William Shakespeare
