Shakespeare's Macbeth is a dark tragedy about ambition, guilt, and... Show more
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23 Dec 2025
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Macbeth: Act-by-Act Summary
Evelyn Ridley
@ev_alice
1 / 5
Act 1: The Prophecy and the Plot
Everything kicks off when three witches meet Macbeth and Banquo after a battle, delivering prophecies that will change everything. They predict Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and eventually King of Scotland, whilst Banquo's son Fleance will one day rule.
When King Duncan rewards Macbeth with the title of Thane of Cawdor (just as the witches predicted), it seems like fate is already in motion. Lady Macbeth receives a letter about the prophecy and immediately starts plotting Duncan's murder - she's determined to make her husband king.
The act ends with Lady Macbeth persuading Macbeth to kill Duncan, even though he's struggling with his conscience. Her manipulation and ambition prove stronger than his moral doubts, setting the stage for the tragedy to unfold.
Remember: The witches don't force Macbeth to do anything - they simply plant the seed of ambition that Lady Macbeth helps to grow.
Act 2: The Murder and Its Aftermath
Macbeth's mental state starts deteriorating as he hallucinates a dagger before committing the ultimate crime. He murders King Duncan in his sleep after drugging the guards, but his guilt and panic mean he botches the plan completely.
Lady Macbeth has to clean up his mess, returning to the scene to frame Duncan's guards for the murder. When Macduff discovers Duncan's body the next morning, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth put on a convincing act of shock and horror.
Macbeth kills the guards to "avenge" Duncan, but really he's covering his tracks. Duncan's sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, aren't fooled - they flee to England and Ireland, fearing they'll be next on the hit list.
Key insight: Notice how Macbeth is already losing control - he can't even complete a murder properly, showing how unnatural this behaviour is for him.
Act 3: Paranoia and More Murder
Now that he's king, Macbeth becomes increasingly paranoid - especially about Banquo, who suspects him of Duncan's murder. Remembering the witches' prophecy about Banquo's son becoming king, Macbeth hires murderers to eliminate the threat.
The assassins kill Banquo but Fleance escapes, meaning the prophecy could still come true. At a royal banquet, Macbeth's guilt manifests as another hallucination - he sees Banquo's ghost sitting in his chair, terrifying the other guests.
Meanwhile, Hecate (the goddess of witches) is furious that the witches acted without her permission. She plans to give Macbeth more prophecies that will lead to his downfall. Malcolm and Macduff are already plotting to overthrow the tyrant king.
Watch out for: How Macbeth's behaviour becomes more erratic and suspicious - he's creating enemies everywhere he turns.
Act 4: False Security and Revenge
Macbeth returns to the witches for more guidance, and they summon three apparitions with cryptic warnings. They tell him to fear Macduff, that no one "born of woman" can harm him, and that he can't be defeated until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane Hill.
These prophecies make Macbeth feel invincible, but he's still worried about Macduff. When he learns that Macduff has fled to England, Macbeth orders the brutal murder of Macduff's wife and children - an act of pure evil that shows how far he's fallen.
In England, Malcolm tests Macduff's loyalty before revealing they're building an army. When Macduff learns about his family's murder, he vows to kill Macbeth himself - this is now personal, not just political.
Think about this: The apparitions' prophecies seem to protect Macbeth, but they're actually setting him up for his downfall - classic dramatic irony!
Act 5: Madness, War, and Death
Lady Macbeth's guilt finally catches up with her as she begins sleepwalking and obsessing over imaginary bloodstains on her hands. Her famous "Out, damned spot!" scene shows how the psychological pressure has destroyed her mind.
As Malcolm's English army approaches Scotland, Macbeth feels secure because of the witches' impossible-sounding prophecies. However, his confidence is shattered when Malcolm's soldiers use tree branches as camouflage - literally bringing Birnam Wood to Dunsinane.
The final battle begins, and Macbeth fights fearlessly until he faces Macduff, who reveals he was "from his mother's womb untimely ripped" (born by caesarean section). This means he wasn't technically "born of woman" in the natural way. Macduff kills Macbeth and Malcolm becomes the rightful King of Scotland.
The tragic ending: Macbeth dies realising that the witches' prophecies were cleverly worded tricks - he was doomed from the moment he chose ambition over honour.
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Most popular content: Macbeth
Most popular content in English Literature
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Macbeth: Act-by-Act Summary
Evelyn Ridley
@ev_alice
Shakespeare's Macbeth is a dark tragedy about ambition, guilt, and the dangerous pursuit of power. Follow Macbeth's journey from war hero to murderous king as supernatural prophecies and his wife's persuasion lead him down a path of destruction.
Act 1: The Prophecy and the Plot
Everything kicks off when three witches meet Macbeth and Banquo after a battle, delivering prophecies that will change everything. They predict Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and eventually King of Scotland, whilst Banquo's son Fleance will one day rule.
When King Duncan rewards Macbeth with the title of Thane of Cawdor (just as the witches predicted), it seems like fate is already in motion. Lady Macbeth receives a letter about the prophecy and immediately starts plotting Duncan's murder - she's determined to make her husband king.
The act ends with Lady Macbeth persuading Macbeth to kill Duncan, even though he's struggling with his conscience. Her manipulation and ambition prove stronger than his moral doubts, setting the stage for the tragedy to unfold.
Remember: The witches don't force Macbeth to do anything - they simply plant the seed of ambition that Lady Macbeth helps to grow.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Act 2: The Murder and Its Aftermath
Macbeth's mental state starts deteriorating as he hallucinates a dagger before committing the ultimate crime. He murders King Duncan in his sleep after drugging the guards, but his guilt and panic mean he botches the plan completely.
Lady Macbeth has to clean up his mess, returning to the scene to frame Duncan's guards for the murder. When Macduff discovers Duncan's body the next morning, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth put on a convincing act of shock and horror.
Macbeth kills the guards to "avenge" Duncan, but really he's covering his tracks. Duncan's sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, aren't fooled - they flee to England and Ireland, fearing they'll be next on the hit list.
Key insight: Notice how Macbeth is already losing control - he can't even complete a murder properly, showing how unnatural this behaviour is for him.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Act 3: Paranoia and More Murder
Now that he's king, Macbeth becomes increasingly paranoid - especially about Banquo, who suspects him of Duncan's murder. Remembering the witches' prophecy about Banquo's son becoming king, Macbeth hires murderers to eliminate the threat.
The assassins kill Banquo but Fleance escapes, meaning the prophecy could still come true. At a royal banquet, Macbeth's guilt manifests as another hallucination - he sees Banquo's ghost sitting in his chair, terrifying the other guests.
Meanwhile, Hecate (the goddess of witches) is furious that the witches acted without her permission. She plans to give Macbeth more prophecies that will lead to his downfall. Malcolm and Macduff are already plotting to overthrow the tyrant king.
Watch out for: How Macbeth's behaviour becomes more erratic and suspicious - he's creating enemies everywhere he turns.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Act 4: False Security and Revenge
Macbeth returns to the witches for more guidance, and they summon three apparitions with cryptic warnings. They tell him to fear Macduff, that no one "born of woman" can harm him, and that he can't be defeated until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane Hill.
These prophecies make Macbeth feel invincible, but he's still worried about Macduff. When he learns that Macduff has fled to England, Macbeth orders the brutal murder of Macduff's wife and children - an act of pure evil that shows how far he's fallen.
In England, Malcolm tests Macduff's loyalty before revealing they're building an army. When Macduff learns about his family's murder, he vows to kill Macbeth himself - this is now personal, not just political.
Think about this: The apparitions' prophecies seem to protect Macbeth, but they're actually setting him up for his downfall - classic dramatic irony!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Act 5: Madness, War, and Death
Lady Macbeth's guilt finally catches up with her as she begins sleepwalking and obsessing over imaginary bloodstains on her hands. Her famous "Out, damned spot!" scene shows how the psychological pressure has destroyed her mind.
As Malcolm's English army approaches Scotland, Macbeth feels secure because of the witches' impossible-sounding prophecies. However, his confidence is shattered when Malcolm's soldiers use tree branches as camouflage - literally bringing Birnam Wood to Dunsinane.
The final battle begins, and Macbeth fights fearlessly until he faces Macduff, who reveals he was "from his mother's womb untimely ripped" (born by caesarean section). This means he wasn't technically "born of woman" in the natural way. Macduff kills Macbeth and Malcolm becomes the rightful King of Scotland.
The tragic ending: Macbeth dies realising that the witches' prophecies were cleverly worded tricks - he was doomed from the moment he chose ambition over honour.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Macbeth
Most popular content in English Literature
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user