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Plot Synopsis he story of Macbeth opens with a storm in the wilds of Scotland as three witches meet and prophesy the coming of Macbeth. We then meet King Duncan who is told first by a wounded captain, and then Ross, of the bravery of Macbeth and Banquo in defeating the Norwegian army and the Scottish rebels. The king commands Ross to tell Macbeth that because of his deeds he has been granted the title Thane of Cawdor. The three witches await the return of Macbeth and Banquo from the battle. Macbeth learns from them that he will become Thane of Cawdor and later King of Scotland. Banquo learns that he will not though he will not achieve high office his descendants will be Kings. They disappear and almost immediately Macbeth receives official news of his new title and admits that he has hopes for the crown. Duncan formally acknowledges his son, Malcolm, as heir apparent to the throne. Lady Macbeth receives a letter from her husband. She shares his ambition, but is worried that Macbeth is not ruthless enough to seize the throne. She prays that she will have the strength to undertake the deed. When Macbeth arrives she is lavish in her praise of him. She soon begins to plan the murder of Duncan. Soon after, Duncan arrives at the Macbeth's castle and is welcomed by Lady Macbeth. Her husband's resolve to kill Duncan founders but Lady Macbeth is avid in her persuasion and he acquiesces. As he instigates the plan to commit regicide, he has a vision of a dagger leading him on. The deed done, he returns to his wife distraught and wracked with guilt. Such is his state of mind that he has failed to cover his tracks and still carries the murder weapons. She is furious and takes him to task but he is too disturbed to plant them on Duncan's drugged guards. In his stead Lady Macbeth returns to the scene. She smears the guards with the blood and places the daggers on them confirming their guilt. As a knocking at the gate begins the murderers return to their bedchamber to establish their innocence. Macduff and Lennox arrive to wake Duncan. Macduff and the Porter engage in jovial banter before Macbeth enters to escort Macduff to the entrance to Duncan's chambers. Macduff discovers the murdered king and raises the alarm. Macbeth feigning fury, slays the guards as Lady Macbeth, and the kings' two sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, enter. Macduff challenges Macbeth's action in killing the guards, and as Macbeth justifies his actions, Lady Macbeth faints. Malcolm and Donalbain, recognising that their lives are in danger, make a discrete exit during the confusion and escape to England and Ireland respectively. Macduff informs all that Macbeth will succeed to the throne,although he will not attend Macbeth's coronation. The witches' prophecy that Macbeth will ascend to the throne has come to pass. Banquo, though his greatest friend, is suspicious that Macbeth has acted treacherously to take the crown. Macbeth's friendship with Banquo seems unabated however and the new king invites him to be guest of honour at his feast. Later, following Banquo's departure, it emerges that Macbeth is fearful that the prophecy concerning Banquo might also come true. Without his wife's knowledge he engages two assassins to waylay Banquo and his son, Fleance. By now both Macbeth and his wife are fearful and suffering the pressure of their crimes. They are restless and cannot sleep. Though the murderers manage to kill Banquo, his son escapes. During the feast Macbeth twice sees the ghost of Banquo appear and look accusingly on him. This appearance seems to be one push too far, and his mind begins to buckle. It is only that Lady Macbeth retains the ability to think clearly that saves her husband from confessing his guilt to the assembled guests. She claims that her husband is tired and ill and asks them to leave him to rest. In the aftermath, Macbeth begins to pull himself together. He sees his enemies closing in on him and resolves to seek the counsel of the witches one more and to begin a campaign to vanquish Macduff. However the suspicions about Macbeth are spreading and Lennox admits that he believes the rumours are not without foundation. Knowing he is in grave danger, Macduff flees to Malcolm at the English court. Macbeth takes the counsel of the witches and learns that he should fear Macduff,. He is cheered by the affirmation that no man born of a woman can harm him. He is told also that his reign will continue until Birnan Wood comes to Dunsinane. Much to his dissatisfaction the prophecy concerning Banquo's children is affirmed and he realises that he will sire no heir. He leaves them, and returns to discover Macduff has fled. Thus unnerved, and feeling the net closing in about him, he orders the slaying of Macduff's entire family. Ross tries to warn Lady Macduff, but is too not swift enough and both she and her son are murdered. We return to England, to find Malcolm and Macduff deep in conversation. They explore the true qualities of kings, and much is made of the saintly king of England, who has the power to heal the sick by touch. It is now that Ross arrives to break the news to Macduff of the slaughter of his family. Malcolm vows to Macduff that England will offer the services of an army commanded by Seyward to bring down Macbeth. Macduff swears that he personally will kill Macbeth. Lady Macbeth is now as disturbed as her husband. She is sleepwalking and talking in her sleep. Her strange behaviour is observed by a doctor and a noblewoman realise the implications of guilt in things she says, but know of no way to help her. Macbeth is besieged by the English and he fortifies Dunsinane castle in preparation for their arrival. Malcolm commands that trees coppiced and used as camouflage and we see further the threads of the witches prophesy drawing together. A scream rings out across the castle and Macbeth knows that his wife has killed herself. His mind is now sufficiently unhinged that it seems to bother him not at all. He no longer sees any purpose or meaning in his life. However, does posses sufficient of his old heroic spirit to rally himself when he learns that the prophecy is true and Birnan Wood is coming to Dunsinane. He abandons his plan for a prolonged siege and resolves to fight. His army is close to defeat but Macbeth is seemingly invincible and he kills Seyward's son in combat. Finally he is met by Macduff. Their dual begins, and still Macbeth seems to be invulnerable, until the revelation that Macduff, having been delivered by Caesarian section, is not born of woman. Macbeth sees the final prophecy looming over him and his courage finally fails as his sanity abandons him. Macduff taunts him relentlessly, and finally they engage once more. Macduff triumphs and presents Malcolm with Macbeth's head. He hails the new king of Scotland and all are invited to Malcolm's coronation. |
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