Exam-Ready Summaries – Page 3

Macbeth – Exam Prep Summary

Key Events:
- The Witches predict Macbeth will become King of Scotland.
- Macbeth is made Thane of Cawdor, confirming part of the prophecy.
- Lady Macbeth persuades Macbeth to murder King Duncan to fulfill his destiny.
Themes:
- Fate vs. Free Will: The Witches’ prophecy influences Macbeth’s choices.
- Ambition: Macbeth’s rising ambition leads to his downfall.
- Manipulation: Lady Macbeth pushes Macbeth to act.
Memory Check:
- What prophecy do the Witches give Macbeth?
  ➔ He will be Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland.
- How does Lady Macbeth influence Macbeth?
  ➔ She manipulates him, questioning his courage and ambition.

Key Events:
- Macbeth murders King Duncan and feels immense guilt.
- Lady Macbeth helps him cover up the murder.
- Macbeth is crowned king, but his guilt grows.
- Macbeth arranges the murder of Banquo.
Themes:
- Guilt: Macbeth is tormented by his actions.
- Corruption of Power: Macbeth’s ambition drives him to commit more murders.
Memory Check:
- How does Macbeth feel after killing Duncan?
  ➔ He feels guilty and unable to sleep.
- What action does Macbeth take after becoming king?
  ➔ He arranges for Banquo’s murder to secure his throne.

Key Events:
- Macbeth grows paranoid about threats to his throne, particularly Banquo.
- He orders Banquo’s murder but Banquo’s son, Fleance, escapes.
- Macbeth sees Banquo’s ghost at a banquet, fueling his paranoia.
Themes:
- Paranoia: Macbeth becomes increasingly paranoid, seeing threats everywhere.
- Guilt: The ghost of Banquo symbolizes Macbeth’s unresolved guilt.
Memory Check:
- Why does Macbeth have Banquo killed?
  ➔ To secure his throne and eliminate a potential threat.
- What happens during the banquet?
  ➔ Macbeth sees Banquo’s ghost, symbolizing his guilt.

Key Events:
- The Witches show Macbeth three new visions: beware Macduff, no man born of woman will harm him, and he won’t be defeated until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane.
- Macbeth orders the murder of Macduff’s family.
- Macduff joins forces with Malcolm, and they march to Dunsinane.
Themes:
- The Supernatural: The Witches’ prophecies continue to mislead Macbeth.
- Revenge: Macduff seeks revenge for the murder of his family.
Memory Check:
- What are the three prophecies given to Macbeth?
  ➔ Beware Macduff, no one born of woman will harm him, and he won’t be defeated until Birnam Wood moves.
- What does Macbeth do after hearing these prophecies?
  ➔ He orders the murder of Macduff’s family.

Key Events:
- Lady Macbeth suffers from guilt and dies, possibly by suicide.
- Macbeth learns that Birnam Wood appears to be moving (soldiers carrying branches), fulfilling the prophecy.
- Macduff confronts Macbeth, revealing he was born by caesarean section (not “born of woman”).
- Macbeth is killed, and Malcolm is crowned king, restoring order.
Themes:
- Guilt and Consequences: Lady Macbeth’s guilt leads to her death.
- Justice: Macbeth’s death restores order to Scotland.
Memory Check:
- How does Lady Macbeth die?
  ➔ She is overwhelmed by guilt and possibly commits suicide.
- How does Macbeth die?
  ➔ He is killed by Macduff, who reveals he was not “born of woman.”

Ambition: Macbeth’s unchecked ambition leads to his ruin.
Fate and Free Will: The Witches’ prophecies influence Macbeth, but he ultimately makes his own choices.
Guilt: Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are haunted by guilt throughout the play.
The Supernatural: The Witches manipulate events, but they are not entirely responsible for Macbeth’s downfall.

Macbeth: A brave soldier who becomes consumed by ambition and guilt.
Lady Macbeth: Macbeth’s manipulative wife who encourages him to murder Duncan.
Banquo: Macbeth’s friend whose descendants will become kings.
Macduff: A nobleman who seeks revenge for his family and kills Macbeth.
The Witches: Mysterious figures who predict Macbeth’s rise and fall.