Mark Grant

Ms.Park
Macbeth Overview
College English Literature
Section C
Submission Date: Wednesday June 11,2014

Macbeth Act I. scenes I. through IV.
A quote summarizing the entire act is..With his surcease, success; that but this blow Might be-all and the end-all here(Shakespeare page 15).
Scene I.: In this scene we get introduced to the Three witches in the story of Macbeth, a very mysterious trio who can tell the futures of people via
prophecy. This is significant because it sort lays the groundwork how events in the story occur. Meaning whatever The Three Witches say is
going to determine in the end how the story of Macbeth playout.
Scene II.: This is a scene that introduces new characters Macbeth( the Thane of Cawdor), King Duncan,Malcolm(son to the king), Donalbain(Another
Thane), and Lennox (also a Thane). As the characters get introduced we learn that all of them in that room a celebrating because of a recent battle
that they won. It is clear that in this scene this is one of the more positive moments in the book.
Scene III.: This scene is a game changer, that had many thinking hold up , as the Macbeth and his friend Banquo are traveli ng through the forest
they meet The Three Witches who tell them Macbeth is destined to be king, and the Banquos sons are going to be kings. But if Macbeth is going to
be king then how can the be since being crowned king can only be achieved through King Duncans bloodline. Through this the audience
understands that there is now going to be a problem because Macbeth is not of royal blood, his is a noble mens blood line.
Scene IV.: Now in this scene Macbeth starts to turn a little dark in terms of his mentality, trying to figure how to become king. Through this
Shakespeare makes an effort to communicate that Macbeths character is changing.
Scene V.: In this scene both Macbeth and his just recently introduced wife, Lady Macbeth, are first contemplating on what would be the best position
of power. Then they decide to come up with a plan to execute the king. If anything from reading this part all readers can tell that this is the part
of Macbeths story where all the significant events start to pick up.
Scene VI.: All that happens during this scene is Macbeth and Lady Macbeth start to put on these fake masks to kind of in a way seduce their guests
King Duncan and Banquo. This is an important part in the story because it would not be a stretch to say that this is the claim before the
storm.
Scene VII.: In this scene both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are basically congratulating each other on a deed well done, killing King Duncan. Sort of
like a celebration of sorts, with a more darker mood. This significant because in this scene it was as if nature could sense that a deed most foul
had been done, in their home.


Act II. Scene I. through IV.
A quote that summarizes all of Act two is I have done the deed. Didst thou hear a noise?
Scene I.: This is the first scene when we see Macbeth strengthening his resolve to become king. In this scene we read that
Macbeth seems to be deceiving Banquo, who does not have any idea of Macbeths intentions. This is significant
because this is will is an important transformations for Macbeth as a character.
Scene II.: This is a scene where Lady Macbeth makes sure Macbeth actually did the deed of killing King Duncan, and they
are trying to cover up their deed. It is clear that they are now out of the hard part of the storm but they still need to
find ways to avoid suspicion.
Scene III.: This is Macbeth first trial where he has to avoid suspicion from Malcolm, Donalbain,and Macduff. By whatever
means he can come up with Macbeth tries hard to avoid suspicion. Through reading scene three the audience can
understand that Macbeth is father losing his sanity.
Scene VI.: So basically all that took place in this act was Ross was talking with an old man about how King Duncans
murder went down. Then in pops Macduff who believes that the blame should be placed on the sons. Shakespeare
makes an effort to communicate that King Duncans sons would naturally be the first ones to blame for their
fathers murder. Since they are the only people, as far as anyone knows, that get the most out of his death.


Act III. Scene I. through IV.
Scene I.: This scene Macbeth is creating a way to remove Banquo as a threat since in the prophecy he was given it was
said he sons could become kings. Seeing this as a threat Macbeth sends two criminals Banquo captured, in order to kill
Banquo. This is significant because, from what i understand Macbeth and Banquo are long time friends, so to send
killers after your best friend is not at all okay.
Scene II.: So from what i could understand about this scene is that Macbeth is now informing Lady Macbeth of his actions.
Its kind of like he is trying to communicate to her that he can be ruthless just as much as her.. It is clear that from
reading this scene that for Macbeth and Lady Macbeth taking out people who might be a threat at their seat on the
throne like a contest of sorts.
Scene III.: this is where we catch the murders doing their little deed of killing Banquo. But this scene is not all that bad
because Banquo kind saves Fleance from being killed. Through scene III the audience understands that even though
this is a dark moment, its also pretty awesome because of Banquos actions.
Scene IV.:In this scene Macbeth seems to be falling even deeper into his own madness. He also seem to be
congratulating himself and Banquos murders on a job well done. Shakespeare makes an effort to communicate that on
relationship standards Macbeth now feels nothing towards Banquo, kind of like Banquo was just a wall in
Macbeths way to power.
Scene V.: In this scene not much goes down accept the fact that we get introduced to Hecate. I would say that in a nutshell
what Hecate is saying is like an explanation of how Macbeths storyline is going. Its clear that in this scene things just
got even more complicated with the appearance of Hecate.
Scene VI.: The only thing that seems of interest during this scene was the contents of Lennoxs conversation with another
lord. From what could be gathered is that they basically were summing up all of the unfortunate events that have taken
place. This is significant because this is almost the time when people start to catch on to what Macbeth is doing.
Act VI. scene I. through III.
Scene I.: In this scene macbeth is informed, through the witches about his entire prophecy holds for his future. But what
really gets me is that is all in his mind, that means we get another look at the exent of the witches abilities. This is
significant because now that Macbeth knows his entire prophecy, now whats Macbeth going to do about it.
Scene II.: So the one event that really stands out in the scene is Macduffs wife and son get murdered. These are the same
murderers that took the life of Banquo, and they were given the job by Macbeth.It is clear that Macbeth had felt
threatened by Macduff so as a way to strike fear into Macduff he kills Macduffs wife and son.
Scene III.: This scene features Macduff, Malcolm,and Ross both learning of the death of Macduffs family. So in response
to this they kind of vow to gather their new found power in England and take back Scotland. Through out scene III. the
audience learns that this is where the story of Macbeth really starts to unfold, in terms of Macbeths Prophecy.
Act V. Scene I. through VIII.
Scene I.: This particular scene is one of the most important events in Macbeths story. This event is Lady Macbeth is losing her grip on her sanity, its
the after effects of killing own king. This is significant because this is when Lady Macbeth is at her weakest but she still has the heart to
somehow regret what she did to the king. Meaning she is going to die with at least a shred of humanity, so she cant be all that bad.
scene II.: In this scene we get to witness a good thing, there are some who have decided to defect from Macbeths tyranny. Sure there are most likely
other who defected from Scotland first, but these are important thanes and nobles, their names are Lennox, Menteith, Caithness, Angus.Its clear that
even though macbeths influence as king has stretched far and wide but there are still those who believe in truth.
scene III.: Tragedy strikes in the kingdom of Scotland, as Lady macbeth is found to, out of grief, committed suicide. Also we learn that this was pretty
much macbeths last time feeling as thing close to human emotions. But after that he gets right back to preparing the castle defenses for Englands
impending attack.Through viewing scene III. the audience can understand that this is an important time in Macbeths life, for him this the last
chance to feel human.
Scene IV.: The prophecy is coming to a close as we read that Malcolm and company are using deception via the tree branches to deceive the eyes of
Macbeths army. As a result of malcolm tactics of deception we can see that hes going to infiltrate the castle defenses. but as these things start
happening macbeth is denying all of evidence that proves the prophecy is coming true. Shakespeare makes an effort to let the audience know that
macbeths prophecy is coming to a close.
Scene V.: Macbeth finally gets the news that his prophecy is come to an end. But not by the witches but via a message from a disturbed messenger. It
is clear that in the castle and in Macbeths mind everything is buckling.
Scene VI.: First weve found out that Malcolm and company has infiltrated the castle and are preparing to kill macbeth. Now they are readying
themselves to find and kill Macbeth. This is significant because it means they are about to complete the last part of Macbeths prophecy.
Scene VII.: So no surprise here but Macbeth has officially lost his mind. While he has denying that his prophecy is actually happening, but he is visibly
breaking down, so Macbeth has proved when killed young Siward. Its clear that Macbeth is so stubborn to the point that he cant see the truth
that is right in front of him.
Scene VIII.: Macduff has tracked down Macbeth who is at the last part in his prophecy, but he is in a sorry state. As Macbeths state of madness
progresses to the max, then the three witches come in and distract macbeth long enough for macduff to do the deed with Macbeth. This is
significant because Macbeth has gotten what he deserves and all justice has been served.