BY: Steve, Donna, Stephanie, Amanda, Michelle, Elena and Matt MACBETH

Description of Setting The setting of Macbeth was during a gloomy time. The time period was in the 17 th century and is known as the medieval times. Macbeth was located in Scotland. Scotland was Politically independent of England. The opening scene of the 3 witches is dark and mysterious. There are also many storm and night scenes through out the play. They help represent the play and how Macbeth’s life is.

Plot Summary The play begins with the brief appearance of a trio of witches and then moves to a military camp, where the Scottish King Duncan hears the news that his generals, Macbeth and Banquo, have defeated two separate invading armies—one from Ireland, led by the rebel Macdonald, and one from Norway. Following their pitched battle with these enemy forces, Macbeth and Banquo encounter the witches as they cross a moor. The witches prophesy that Macbeth will be made thane (a rank of Scottish nobility) of Cawdor and eventually king of Scotland. They also prophesy that Macbeth’s companion, Banquo, will beget a line of Scottish kings, although Banquo will never be king himself. The witches vanish, and Macbeth and Banquo treat their prophecies skeptically until some of King Duncan’s men come to thank the two generals for their victories in battle and to tell Macbeth that he has indeed been named thane of Cawdor. The previous thane betrayed Scotland by fighting for the Norwegians and Duncan has condemned him to death. Macbeth is intrigued by the possibility that the remainder of the witches’ prophecy—that he will be crowned king—might be true, but he is uncertain what to expect. He visits with King Duncan, and they plan to dine together at Inverness, Macbeth’s castle, that night. Macbeth writes ahead to his wife, Lady Macbeth, telling her all that has happened.

Lady Macbeth suffers none of her husband’s uncertainty. She desires the kingship for him and wants him to murder Duncan in order to obtain it. When Macbeth arrives at Inverness, she overrides all of her husband’s objections and persuades him to kill the king that very night. He and Lady Macbeth plan to get Duncan’s two chamberlains drunk so they will black out; the next morning they will blame the murder on the chamberlains, who will be defenseless, as they will remember nothing. While Duncan is asleep, Macbeth stabs him, despite his doubts and a number of supernatural portents, including a vision of a bloody dagger. When Duncan’s death is discovered the next morning, Macbeth kills the chamberlains—ostensibly out of rage at their crime—and easily assumes the kingship. Duncan’s sons Malcolm and Donalbain flee to England and Ireland, respectively, fearing that whoever killed Duncan desires their demise as well. Fearful of the witches’ prophecy that Banquo’s heirs will seize the throne, Macbeth hires a group of murderers to kill Banquo and his son Fleance. They ambush Banquo on his way to a royal feast, but they fail to kill Fleance, who escapes into the night. Macbeth becomes furious: as long as Fleance is alive, he fears that his power remains insecure. At the feast that night, Banquo’s ghost visits Macbeth. When he sees the ghost, Macbeth raves fearfully, startling his guests, who include most of the great Scottish nobility. Lady Macbeth tries to neutralize the damage, but Macbeth’s kingship incites increasing resistance from his nobles and subjects. Frightened, Macbeth goes to visit the witches in their cavern. There, they show him a sequence of demons and spirits who present him with further prophecies: he must beware of Macduff, a Scottish nobleman who opposed Macbeth’s accession to the throne; he is incapable of being harmed by any man born of woman; and he will be safe until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane Castle. Macbeth is relieved and feels secure, because he knows that all men are born of women and that forests cannot move. When he learns that Macduff has fled to England to join Malcolm, Macbeth orders that Macduff’s castle be seized and, most cruelly, that Lady Macduff and her children be murdered.

When news of his family’s execution reaches Macduff in England, he is stricken with grief and vows revenge. Prince Malcolm, Duncan’s son, has succeeded in raising an army in England, and Macduff joins him as he rides to Scotland to challenge Macbeth’s forces. The invasion has the support of the Scottish nobles, who are appalled and frightened by Macbeth’s tyrannical and murderous behavior. Lady Macbeth, meanwhile, becomes plagued with fits of sleepwalking in which she bemoans what she believes to be bloodstains on her hands. Before Macbeth’s opponents arrive, Macbeth receives news that she has killed herself, causing him to sink into a deep and pessimistic despair. Nevertheless, he awaits the English and fortifies Dunsinane, to which he seems to have withdrawn in order to defend himself, certain that the witches’ prophecies guarantee his invincibility. He is struck numb with fear, however, when he learns that the English army is advancing on Dunsinane shielded with boughs cut from Birnam Wood. Birnam Wood is indeed coming to Dunsinane, fulfilling half of the witches’ prophecy. In the battle, Macbeth hews violently, but the English forces gradually overwhelm his army and castle. On the battlefield, Macbeth encounters the vengeful Macduff, who declares that he was not “of woman born” but was instead “untimely ripped” from his mother’s womb (what we now call birth by cesarean section). Though he realizes that he is doomed, Macbeth continues to fight until Macduff kills and beheads him. Malcolm, now the king of Scotland, declares his benevolent intentions for the country and invites all to see him crowned at Scone.

Main Character Descriptions Macbeth- Thane of Glamis/Cawdor, one who agree that Macbeth is the most powerful man under the king. Brave and successful military leader, noble and great character. Admiration of all of Scotland's people. Kinsmen to King Duncan. Very vivid imagination poetic. Very much in love with wife Lady Macbeth. Man who contemplates everything, never makes quick decisions. Sees the “big picture” Deep thinker (conscience) Lady Macbeth- Strong, willed, charming. Ambitious for husbands success. She sees only “small picture” doesn’t over think things and can fool a lot of people. Banquo- Macbeths best friend fellow military friend, nobleman, opportunist compromises balances on both sides. Just as powerful as any thane. Three Weird Sisters (Witches) 2 interruptions - King James I interruption- agents of the devil sent down to tempt men. They don’t have any special powers. -Modern interruption- 3 old hags out cast of society want to cause trouble. Modern day bag ladys.

Cont. Macduff- Thane of Fife. Brave 1.Loyalty to Country 2.Loyalty to King of Scotland 3.Family King Duncan 2 interruptions - King Duncan- Gentle, Kind and trusting everyone loves him shows great kindness to Macbeth. - King Duncan- Divine right to rule arrogant self centered still shows kindness to Macbeth out of spite. Malcolm- King Duncan's eldest son he is more shrewd than his father. Capable of seeing beyond the obvious. Donalbain- King Duncan's younger son.

Major Conflict Throughout most of the play the major conflict is between the Scottish people and Macbeth’s tyrannical ruling methods. As King Macbeth has become paranoid, and he begins having those who he thinks oppose him murdered. The people of Scotland recognize Macbeth as a tyrant and await brighter days. Macduff plots to have Macbeth overthrown with help from Malcolm and the British army. PROTAGONIST: MACBETH -Goals- To remain King, but to wear the crown peacefully, free from worry of being betrayed. ANTAGONIST: MACDUFF

Conflict Resolution Macduff along with the English General Siward and thousands of troops storm Macbeth’s castle. After a brief fighting Macbeth meets Macduff on the battlefield and they fight. Macbeth learns that Macduff was not “ of women born,” and he falls to Macduff’s sword. With Macbeth out of the picture, Malcolm becomes king of Scotland.

Major Themes/ Thematic Statements Themes - Greed and Power Because of greed, Macbeth (and Lady Macbeth) wants more power. Greed for power has completely engulfed their minds: they cannot accept anything less than complete power over Scotland. It has destroyed them by destroying all that was known to them (friends, loved ones, etc.) It has driven Lady Macbeth to mental illness and Macbeth to regret. - Trust and Betrayal Duncan respected and trusted Macbeth. This is clear when Macbeth was named Thane of Cawdor by Duncan. However, Macbeth betrayed Duncan by really only wanting to be king and murders him. He was power- hungry. Macbeth also betrays his own country with the regicide and rules Scotland as a tyrant. Trust was lost when Macbeth’s betrayal began.

Cont. Thematic Statements - Greed and power and two main issues in Macbeth’s character that lead him straight to his downfall. - Macbeth uses trust in everyone around him in order to betray and it changed him into a different horrible man.

Major Theme Examples Greed and Power- Once Macbeth is named Thane of Cawdor all he can think about is getting more power. He sends Lady Macbeth a letter telling her of his vaulting ambition to be the King of Scotland. Once Macbeth becomes King he is overwhelmed with his new sense of power. He shows that power by killing anyone who he thinks is against him. Lady Macbeth also shows the power she has over her husband. She wants him to become King just as much as Macbeth does and she knows that she can easily take advantage of her husbands fragile personality. Trust and Betrayal- King Duncan made Macbeth Thane of Cawdor because he trusted his loyalty and willingness to protect Scotland. Not knowing that Macbeth was planning on trying to take the throne. Macbeth showed the utmost betrayal when he killed his own best friend because he though he was going to revel that Macbeth had really killed the King. Macbeth betrays Scotland when he changes it so much that people cant even recognize it any more.

Characterization Macbeth 1.Allows the prophecies made by the three witches to influence his thoughts and actions, especially after they come true. 2.Easily tempted to do whatever it takes to get the crown. After his first murder, further murders become much easier to commit. 3.Psychologically unable to deal with the consequences of his murders. Lady Macbeth 1.Seems very strong and cold at the beginning of the play. Wants power and he husband high political position. 2.Urges Macbeth to kill King Duncan and begins his quest for the crown and political authority. 3.Towards the end of the play Lady Macbeth appears to be less stronger than her husband and she ultimately commits suicide.

Quotes “I have no spur/To prick the sides of my intent, but only Vaulting ambition.” (Macbeth ) Regicide plans are underway. Macbeth had no reason but his own to kill the king. The King has done nothing to him. I chose this quote because it really shows how Macbeth thinks things threw and how he knew he shouldn’t kill the King because he knew it was going to haunt him for the rest of his life. “To-morrow, and To-morrow, and to-morrow, Creeps in this petty pace from day to day, To the last syllable of recorded time; And all our yesterdays have lighted fools The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle! Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player That struts and frets his hour upon the stage And then is heard no more: it is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing.” (Macbeth Act V, Scene V)

Cont. Translation- Day after day after day, life sneaks up on us in a pointless way and it goes on and on, till the end of time. All history has shown is that the only thing certain is death. Life is short and no one is remembered after death. Our life is out tale we are the idiots, sound what we say and our emotions, fury actions we take but there's all no purpose in life. This is what Macbeth says right before he is going to die. I chose it because it really shows how Macbeth has changed and how he accepts death at this point.

Literary Element Symbolism: - One example of symbolism used throughout the play would be the weather. The weather was used to reflect what was going on in the story at that point. For example, the terrible storm on the night of King Duncan’s murder, and the thunder and lighting that surround the witches. Another example of symbolism throughout the play is blood. The blood represents the guilt hunting both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. After the murder of King Duncan, Macbeth cries out that nothing will ever wash the blood from his hands, and Lady Macbeth tells him that a little water will wash away what they have done. Towards the end of the story though, Lady Macbeth realizes how horrible of a thing her and her husband had done, and also realizes that nothing will ever remove the blood, or guilt, from there hands.

Cont. Irony: Irony plays a very important part of Macbeth. Through the use of dramatic irony it creates suspense for the audience and helps to explain the character of Macbeth. An example of irony is the killing of King Duncan by Macbeth. After he committed the regicide he then became paranoid about who knew, and if he would be killed in return. Throughout the whole play he avoided death at all costs, which included killing many more people, and in the end he was killed.