Macbeth by William Shakespeare - Notes in Bullet Points | BA, MA, TGT, PGT, UGC-NET

Macbeth: an Introduction 

Dramatist - William Shakespeare 

Genre - Tragedy

First Performed - 1606

First Printed - 1623

Full Title - The Tragedy of Macbeth

Written in Reign of - James I

Literary period - Jacobean Age (24 March, 1603- 27 March, 1625)

Published in - Mr. William Shakespeare's Comedies, Histories & Tragedies, also known as First Folio

Also known as - Shortest and Bloodiest Tragedy by Shakespeare

Theme - Ambition for Power

Total Male Characters - 21

Total Female Characters - 3 ( Lady Macbeth, Lady Macduff, a gentlewoman attending on Lady Macbeth)

Total Witches - 3

Total Thanes - 8 (Thane of Ross, Thane of Lennox, Thane of Menteith, Thane of Cawdor, Thane of Fife, Thane of Angus, Thane of Glamis, Thane of Caithness)

Sources of Macbeth

• Holinshed's Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland (1577)
• Daemonologie by King James I (1597)
• Rerum Scoticarum Historia  by George Buchanan (1582)
• Historia Gentis Scotorum by Hector Boece (1527)
• Discovery of Witchcraft by Reginald Scott (1584)

Opening Lines of Macbeth

When shall we three meet again

In thunder, lightning or a rain?  

 -By First Witch 

Acts and Scenes in Macbeth

ACT I 

SCENE I -  A desert place

• Total Characters in this Scene - Three Witches

SCENE II  -A camp near Forres

• Total Characters in this Scene - Duncan, Malcolm, Donalbain (no dialogue), Lennox, Sergeant, Ross 

SCENE III - A heath near Forres

• Total Characters in this Scene -  Three Witches, Macbeth, Banquo, Ross, Angus

SCENE IV - Forres. The palace

• Total Characters in this Scene - Duncan, Malcolm, Donalbain (no dialogue), Lennox (no dialogue), Macbeth, Banquo, Ross (no dialogue), Angus (no dialogue)

SCENE V - Inverness. Macbeth's castle

• Total Characters in this Scene - Lady Macbeth, Messenger, Macbeth

SCENE VI - Before Macbeth's castle.

• Total Characters in this Scene - Duncan, Banquo, Lady Macbeth, Malcolm (no dialogue), Donalbain (no dialogue), Lennox (no dialogue), Macduff (no dialogue), Ross (no dialogue), Angus (no dialogue)

SCENE VII -  Macbeth's castle

• Total Characters in this Scene - Macbeth, Lady Macbeth

ACT II

SCENE I -  Court of Macbeth's castle

• Total Characters in this Scene -  Banquo, Fleance, Macbeth

SCENE II -  Court of Macbeth's castle

• Total Characters in this Scene -  Lady Macbeth, Macbeth

SCENE III - Court of Macbeth's castle

• Total Characters in this Scene - Porter, Macduff, Lennox, Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Banquo, Donalbain, Malcolm, 

SCENE IV - Outside Macbeth's castle

• Total Characters in this Scene - Old man, Ross, Macduff

ACT III

SCENE I - Forres. The palace

• Total Characters in this Scene -  Banquo, Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Lennox, Ross, Lords, Ladies, Attendants, two murderers

SCENE II - The palace

• Total Characters in this Scene - Lady Macbeth, servant, Macbeth

SCENE III - A park near the palace

• Total Characters in this Scene - Three murderers, Banquo

SCENE IV - The same. Hall in the palace

• Total Characters in this Scene - Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Murderer, Lennox, Ghost of Banquo, Ross, Lords

SCENE V -  A Heath

• Total Characters in this Scene - Three Witches, Hecate - the Goddess

SCENE VI - Forres. The palace

• Total Characters in this Scene - Lennox, Lord

ACT IV

SCENE I -  A cavern. In the middle, a boiling cauldron

• Total Characters in this Scene-  Three Witches, Hecate, Macbeth, First Apparition- an armed head, Second Apparition - a bloody child, Third Apparition - a child crowned, Vision of Eight kings (no dialogue), Banquo's Ghost (no dialogue), Lennox. 

SCENE II -   Fife. Macduff's castle

• Total Characters in this Scene- Lady Macduff, Ross, Son of Lady Macduff, First Murderer

SCENE III -  England. Before the King's palace

• Total Characters in this Scene-  Malcolm, Macduff, Doctor, Ross

ACT V 

SCENE I - Dunsinane. Ante-room in the castle

• Total Characters in this Scene- Doctor, a Waiting Gentleman, a Gentlewoman, Lady Macbeth, 

SCENE II - The country near Dunsinane

• Total Characters in this Scene-  Menteith, Angus, Caithness, Lennox.

SCENE III -  Dunsinane. A room in the castle

• Total Characters in this Scene-  Macbeth, Doctor, Servant, Seyton

SCENE IV -  Country near Birnam wood

• Total Characters in this Scene- Malcolm, Old Siward and his son, Macduff, Menteith, Caithness (no dialogue), Angus (no dialogue), Lennox (no dialogue), Ross (no dialogue)

SCENE V -  Dunsinane. Within the castle

• Total Characters in this Scene-  Macbeth, Seyton, Messenger.

SCENE VI - Dunsinane. Before the castle

• Total Characters in this Scene- Malcolm, Siward, Macduff.

SCENE VII -  Another part of the field

• Total Characters in this Scene-  Macbeth, Young Siward, Macduff, Malcolm.

SCENE VIII - Another part of the field

• Total Characters in this Scene-  Macbeth, Macduff, Malcolm, Siward, Ross, Angus, Caithness, Menteith.

Act-wise Scenes

Act I      -  7 Scenes

Act II     -  4 Scenes

Act III    -  6 Scenes

Act IV    -  3 Scenes

Act V     -  8 Scenes

Total Acts - 5 ; Total Scenes - 28

Largest Scenes -  a) Act 1, Scene III

                              b) Act III, Scene IV

                              c) Act IV, Scene III

Shortest Scenes - a) Act I, Scene I

                               b) Act V, Scene VI

Settings of Macbeth

Scotland 

a) a desert place
b) a Heath
c) a camp near Forres 
d) a Cavern
e) Castle of Duncan

f) nearby country

g) battlefield

Forres - Duncan's Place

Inverness - Macbeth's Castle

Fife - Macduff's Castle

Dunsinane - Macbeth's Castle

List and Categories of Characters

• Duncan and his family 

                    Duncan- King of Scotland

                    Malcolm - Son of Duncan

                    Donalbain - Son of Duncan

• Macbeth and his family

                    Macbeth 

                    Lady Macbeth - Macbeth's wife

• Banquo and his family

                     Banquo

                     Fleance - Son of Banquo

• Macduff and his family

                      Macduff

                      Lady Macduff - Wife of Macduff

                      Boy - Son of Macduff

• Siward and his family 

                      Siward

                      Young Siward - Son of Siward

                      

• Lords and Nobles

                     Macduff

                     Lennox

                     Ross

                     Angus

                     Mentieth

                     Caithnes

• Generals and Officers in the King's Army

 Macbeth - General of the Scottish Army of Duncan

 Banquo -  General of the Scottish Army of Duncan

 Siward - General of the English Army of Malcolm and Macbeth

 Seyton - an officer attending Macbeth

• Goddess and Witches

                      Hecate - Witch Goddess

                      First Witch

                      Second Witch

                      Third Witch

• Other Characters

                    An English doctor

                    A Scotch doctor

                    A Sergeant

                    A Porter 

                    An Old Man

                    Murderers

                    Attendants

                    Messengers

                      

                      

Character Traits, and Titles

Main Characters

1.  Macbeth  

General in Duncan's Army, Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor (made by Duncan), King of Scotland (by murdering Duncan), murderer of Banquo, defeated by Macduff.

Macbeth

         Character Traits of Macbeth

• Ambitious
• Greedy
• Tyrannical and Violent
• Rebellious
• Disloyal
• Brave
• Self- Doubt
• Worry

      

   Macbeth is also Called 

• Brave Macbeth - Act 1, Scene 2, by Sergeant
• Like Velour's Minion -  Act 1, Scene 2, by Sergeant
• O valiant cousin! worthy gentleman!- Act 1, Scene 2, by Duncan
• Bellona's Bridegroom - Act 1, Scene 2, by Ross
• My noble partner - Act 1, Scene 3, by Banquo
• Our Partner - Act 1, Scene 3, by Banquo
• Worthy Macbeth - Act 1, Scene 3, by Banquo
• Thane of Glamis- Act 1, Scene 3 by First Witch
• Thane of Cawdor- Act 1, Scene 3 by Second Witch
• King Hereafter- Act 1, Scene 3 by Third Witch
• O Worthiest Cousin - Act 1, Scene 4 by Duncan
• My Worthy Cawdor! - Act 1, Scene 4 by Duncan
• A Peerless Kinsmen - Act 1, Scene 4 by Duncan
• Great Glamis! Worthy Cawdor! Greater than both - Act 1, Scene 5 by Lady Macbeth
• Royal Highness - Act 3, Scene 1 by Banquo
• My Liege - Act 3, Scene 1 by First Murderer
• My Royal Lord - Act 3, Scene 4 by Lady Macbeth
• Tyrant - Act 3, Scene 6 by Lennox
• Devilish Macbeth - Act 4, Scene 3 by Malcolm
• This fiend of Scotland - Act 4, Scene 3 by Macduff
• O Hell-Kite! - Act 4, Scene 3 by Macduff
• Black Macbeth - Act 4, Scene 3 by Malcolm
• Hell- Hound - Act 5. Scene 8 by Macduff
• Bloodier Villain - Act 5, Scene 8 by Macduff
• This dead butcher - Act 5, Scene 9 by Malcolm

         

2.  Lady Macbeth 

The wife of Macbeth helps to murder Duncan, Queen of Scotland.

Lady Macbeth

          Character Traits of Lady Macbeth 

• Ambitious
• Cruel
• Strong-Willed
• Ruthless
• Manipulative
• Controlling                                                        
• Powerful
• in the end becomes mad

Lady Macbeth is also Called 

• My dearest partner of greatness - Act 1, Scene 5 by Macbeth
• My Dearest Love - Act 1, Scene 5 by Macbeth
• Our Honour'd Hostess! - Act 1, Scene 5 by Duncan
• Fair and Noble Hostess - Act 1, Scene 6 by Duncan
• O gentle lady - Act 2, Scene 3 by Macduff
• Dear Wife! - Act 3, Scene 2 by Macbeth

                     

Secondary Characters

1.  Banquo 

A General in Duncan's Army, a friend of Macbeth, and father of Fleance, appears in the form of a ghost.

Banquo

          Character Traits of Banquo 

• Brave
• Noble
• Loyal
• Kind
• Caring
• Honorable

           Banquo is also Called 

• Noble Banquo - Act 1, Scene 4 by Duncan
• True Worthy, Banquo - Act 1, Scene 4 by Duncan
• Kind Gentlemen - Act 1, Scene 4 by Duncan
• Our Chief Guest - Act 3, Scene 1 by Macbeth
• Horrible Shadow - Act 3, Scene 1 by Macbeth

2.  Macduff 

A Scottish Lord and  Nobleman, Thane of Fife, a Loyal follower of the King, refuses of attend Macbeth's coronation, tracks Malcolm to England and convinces him to return to Scotland, kills Macbeth.

Macduff

Character Traits of Macduff

• Loyal
• Brave
• Family Man
• Great Warrior 
• Nationalist
• Rebellious
• Powerful

Macduff is also called

• Dear Duff - Act 2, Scene 3 by Banquo
• The Good Macduff - Act 2, Scene 4 by Ross
• Thane of Fife - Act 4, Scene 1 by First Apparition
• Noble, Wise, Judicious - Act 4, scene 2 by Ross
• Sinful Macduff! - Act 4, Scene 3 to himself
• Child of Integrity - Act 4, Scene 3 by Malcolm
• Worthy Macduff - Act 5, Scene 6 by Malcolm

3.  Three Witches  

Bearded face, their prophecy pushes Macbeth's ambition, possesses knowledge of the future, supernatural powers, manipulates human, and meets twice with Macbeth.

Three Witches

 Character Traits of Three Witches

• Evil
• Dark 
• Chaotic
• Wicked
• Mysterious
• Manipulative
• Rhymed Speech

Three Witches are also called

• Withered and wild in their attire - Act 1, Scene 3, by Banquo
• Imperfect Speakers - Act 1, Scene 3, by Macbeth
• Weird Witches - Act 1, Scene 3
• Devil - Act 1, Scene 3, by Banquo
• The Instruments of Darkness - Act 1, Scene 3, by Banquo
• The Supernatural Soliciting - Act 1, Scene 3, by Macbeth
• Beldams, Saucy and Overbold - Act 3, Scene 5 by Hecate
• Secret, black, and midnight hags! - Act 4, Scene 1 by Macbeth
• Filthy hags! - Act 4, Scene 1 by Macbeth

4.  Duncan 

King of Scotland, has two sons, maintains peace and order in the country, makes Macbeth Thane of Cawdor, a good and respectable king, father of Malcolm, betrayed by Lady Macbeth, killed by Macbeth. 

Duncan

Character Traits of Duncan

• Generous
• Kind
• Wise
• Trusted Ally to kings and thanes
• Role Model for his Sons

Duncan is also Called 

• Great King - Act 1, Scene 2 by Ross
• My Liege - Act 1, Scene 4 by Malcolm
• Your Highness - Act 1, Scene 4 by Malcolm
• The Lord - Act 2, Scene 3 by Macduff
• The Royal Father - Act 4, Scene 3 by Malcolm
• A Most Sainted King - Act 4, Scene 3 by Macduff

5.  Malcolm 

The eldest son of King Duncan, heir to the throne of Scotland, flees to England in fear of Macbeth, 

suggests soldiers disguise themselves as trees from Birnan Woods, and later overthrow Macbeth with the help of Macduff and the English army.

Malcolm

Character Traits of Malcolm

•  Weak
• Inexperienced
• Nationalist
• Loyal
• Morally Upright
• Discerning
• Lawful
• Rival
• Savvy

Malcolm is also called

• Our Eldest, Malcolm - Act 1, Scene 4 by Duncan
• The Prince of Cumberland - Act 1, Scene 4 by Duncan
• Bloody Cousin - Act 3, Scene 1 by Macbeth

Historical Facts about Macbeth from History of Scotland

• Duncan I ascended the throne of Scotland in 1035 and he was killed by Macbeth in the Battle of Pitgaveny in 1040.
• Macbeth ruled  Scotland for 17 years, from 1040- 1057. He was killed in the Battle of Lumphanan in 1057.
• He was succeeded by Malcolm III, nicknamed 'Cammore' who had spent his youth in the court of Edward, the Confessor of England.
• Malcolm reigned from 1058 to 1093.

Analysis of Gustav Freytag's Pyramid in Macbeth

Exposition 

• Witches predict Macbeth and Banquo's sons will be kings. (Act 1, Scene I)

Rising Action

• Macbeth and Lady Macbeth kill Duncan. (Act II, Scene II)
• Banquo is murdered. (Act III, Scene II)
• Appearance of Banquo's Ghost. (Act 3, Scene 4)

Climax

• Macbeth resolutes to kill Macduff's wife, children, and persons related to him. (Act 4, Scene 1)
• Malcolm leads troops to fight against Macbeth. (Act 4, Scene 2)

Falling Action

• Macbeth is killed by Macduff.  (Act 5, Scene 8)

Resolution

• Macduff claims that he prematurely came out of the womb of his mother.  (Act 5, Scene 8)

Denouement

• Macduff welcomes Malcolm as the king of Scotland. (Act 5, Scene 8)
• Malcolm pays thanks to everyone and invites them to his coronation.  (Act 5, Scene 8)

Important Facts: Act-by-Act

Act 1: 

Scene 1

• Witches decide to meet again when the war is over at a deserted and barren wasteland.
• Witches speak in rhyming couplets.
• Attendant Spirit of First Witch - Graymalkin (the cat)
• Attendant Spirit of Second Witch - Paddock ( the toad)

Scene 2

• Sergeant is blood-stained and badly wounded and saves Duncan from being taken as a prisoner. 
• War is going on between Norway, rebels of Scotland, and Scotland.
• Macdonald (rebel of Scotland) is killed by Macbeth.
• Sweno (king of Norway) loses the war and begs for the permission for burial of his dead soldiers on the Island of St. Colme.
• 10 thousand dollars are demanded from Scotland's side to permit a soldier's burial.
• Macbeth is made Thane of Cawdor.

Scene 3

• Three Witches appear and wait for Macbeth.
• Second Witch informs First Witch that she was busy killing Swines.
• First Witch makes a plan to torture a sailor who has gone on a voyage to Aleppo in a ship, named the Tiger for 81 weeks as his wife refused to offer nuts and insulted her.
• Three Witches dance as Macbeth comes to make their powers effective.
• Witches have a beard on their chin.
• First Witch calls Macbeth Thane of Glamis.
• Second Witch calls Macbeth Thane of Cawdor.
• Third Witch calls Macbeth King hereafter.
• Witches declare Banquo as the father of kings

Scene 4

• Duncan declares Malcolm as The Prince of Cumberland.
• Macbeth sends Lady Macbeth a letter telling about the Three Witches.
• Macbeth and Banquo return home and meet Duncan.

Scene 5

• Lady Macbeth asks Spirits to take away her womanliness. 

Scene 6

• Duncan visits Inverness.

Scene 7

• Macbeth is afraid of committing the crime of murdering Duncan, so Lady Macbeth convinces him. They both make a plan to kill Duncan and put the blame on the two guards of Duncan.

Act 2

Scene 1

• Duncan gives a diamond to Lady Macbeth for her kindness as a hostess.
• Macbeth prepares his mind to kill Duncan.

Scene 2

• Macbeth murders Duncan and is in remorse.

Scene 3

• Macduff sees Duncan dead, informs everyone by crying out loud. 
• Malcolm and Donalbain plan to flee in order to save themselves from being murdered like their father. 
• Malcolm goes to England, whereas Donalbain goes to Ireland. 

Scene 4

• 70 year old man discusses with Ross, the ill-omen happening in past few days.
• Duncan's body has taken to be buried in Colmekill - the holy burial place of all royal persons of Scotland.
• Macbeth has gone to Scone to be crowned with all due ceremonies.
• Macduff leaves for Fife.
• Ross leaves for Scone.

Act 3

Scene 1

• Macbeth hires Three Murderers to kill Banquo. 

Scene 2

• Lady Macbeth and Macbeth talk about their life after Duncan's death. Macbeth foretells his plan to kill Banquo.

Scene 3

• Banquo is killed and his son Fleance runs away.

Scene 4

• Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, and the Lords attend the banquet.
• Banquo's ghost appears twice.

Scene 5

• Witches meet Hecate, Goddess of Witchcraft, who is angry as the witches did not join her in their evil actions. She departs to meet pit of Acheron.

Scene 6

• Malcolm has gone to the English king, Edward to seek help.
• Macduff has gone to ask for help from the Duke of Northemberland and his brave son, Siward.

Act 4

Scene 1 

• The stripped cat of the First Witch, and the pig of the Second Witch cry three times and the demon Harpier warns the witches to cast their spell.
• They prepare a pot of magic boils they put in it - cuttings of a snake found in a marsh, the eyes of a lizard, the toe of the frog, the wool of a bat, the tongue of a dog, the forked tongue of a serpent, the sting of the glow worm, the lizard's leg, the wing of an owlet, the liver of a blaspheming Jew, a goat's gall-bladder, twigs of the yew tree stripped during an eclipse of the moon, a Turk's nose, a Tartar's lips, the finger of a child of prostitute in a ditch and the entrails of a tiger.
• Appearance of the First Apparition - an armed head, who warns Macbeth to be beware of Macduff, the Thane of Fife.
• Appearance of the Second Apparition - a bloody child, who declares that Macbeth can't be killed by any man born of a woman.
• Appearance of the Third Apparition - a child crowned, with a tree in his hand, who declares Macbeth will never be defeated until the forest of Birnam shall walk and come to Dunsinane hill to fight against him.
• A show of eight kings, Banquo's ghost following the last king with a glass in his hand is shown to Macbeth.

Scene 2

• Lady Macduff and Son of Macduff are killed by Murderers sent by Macbeth.

Scene 3

• Macduff convinces Malcolm to fight against Macbeth and be the king of Scotland.
• Old Siward, Malcolm's uncle assists Malcolm with 10 thousand soldiers.
• The English king, Edward is shown to possess divine power that cures illness that is beyond the skill of competent physicians. By his touch, the sick are immediately cured. He puts a golden coin/pendal hanging around the neck of the patient, uttering the appropriate prayer.
• Ross informs Macduff about his dead wife and children.

Act 5

Scene 1

• Lady Macbeth suffers from mental agitation and sleepwalks at night. She washes her hands for hours to get rid of the crimes she and her husband have committed by murdering the king and their friends.

Scene 2

• Malcolm's army has arrived near Scotland.
• Macbeth fortifies the Castle of Dunsinane.

Scene 3

• Macbeth prepares to fight with Malcolm.

Scene 4

• Malcolm advises his soldiers to cut off the branches of trees from Birnam Wood and carry it in their hands while marching as this will hide the strength of their soldiers from the scouts of the enemy whose reports about their members will thereby be wrong.  

Scene 5

• Lady Macbeth dies.

Scene 6

• Malcolm orders Old Siward and his son to lead the first line of their attack.

Scene 7

• Young Siward is killed by Macbeth.
• The Castle of Macbeth surrenders and the battle of the day is won by Siward and his army.

Scene 8

• Macduff kills Macbeth as he was born prematurely from his mother's womb through a caesarian operation.
• Malcolm is welcomed as a King of Scotland.

______________Drama Ends____________

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