Macbeth: A Tragic Tale of Ambition and Prophecy
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106
2
Harriet Gee
11/07/2025
English Literature
macbeth plot summary
3,066
•
11 Jul 2025
•
Detailed Macbeth Plot Summary and Witches' Prophecies for KS2 and GCSE
Harriet Gee
@harrietgee
Acts Two and Three: The Rise of a Tyrant
Acts Two and Three of Macbeth depict the rapid and violent ascent of Macbeth to the throne, as well as the beginning of his descent into paranoia and tyranny. These acts are crucial in showing the immediate consequences of Macbeth's actions and the deterioration of his character.
The murder of King Duncan marks the point of no return for Macbeth. After committing the deed, Macbeth is immediately plagued by guilt and fear, while Lady Macbeth takes charge of framing Duncan's servants for the crime. The discovery of Duncan's body by Macduff sets off a chain of events that solidify Macbeth's position as king, but also sow the seeds of suspicion among the Scottish nobles.
Highlight: The flight of Malcolm and Donalbain, Duncan's sons, inadvertently makes them appear guilty, further cementing Macbeth's claim to the throne.
As Macbeth assumes the crown, the unnatural and ominous atmosphere in Scotland intensifies. Strange occurrences and disturbances in nature reflect the disruption of the natural order caused by Macbeth's illegitimate rule.
Example: The old man and Rosse discuss how an owl killed a falcon and Duncan's horses ate each other, symbolizing the upheaval in the natural world.
Macbeth's paranoia grows as he becomes fixated on the witches' prophecy about Banquo's descendants becoming kings. This leads him to arrange the murder of Banquo and his son, Fleance. While Banquo is killed, Fleance's escape ensures that the threat to Macbeth's rule remains.
The banquet scene, where Macbeth is haunted by Banquo's ghost, marks a turning point in his mental state. His erratic behavior raises suspicions among the nobles, and the facade of his legitimate rule begins to crumble.
Quote: "The times has been, / That, when the brains were out, the man would die, / And there an end; but now they rise again, / With twenty mortal murders on their crowns, / And push us from our stools." - Macbeth
As Act Three concludes, we see the growing opposition to Macbeth's rule, with Lennox and other lords suspecting his involvement in the murders. The mention of Macduff gathering an army foreshadows the coming conflict and Macbeth's eventual downfall.
These acts demonstrate the corrupting influence of power and the psychological toll of guilt, themes that are central to Shakespeare's exploration of ambition and morality in Macbeth.
Act One: The Witches' Prophecies and Macbeth's Ambition
Act One of Macbeth sets the stage for the tragic events to come, introducing the key characters and the supernatural elements that drive the plot. The play opens with the three witches planning their fateful meeting with Macbeth, establishing the eerie and foreboding atmosphere that permeates the entire work.
When Macbeth and Banquo encounter the witches, they receive prophecies that will shape the course of the play. Macbeth is told he will become Thane of Cawdor and eventually king, while Banquo learns that his descendants will rule Scotland. These prophecies plant the seeds of ambition in Macbeth's mind, setting in motion the tragic events that follow.
Highlight: The witches' prophecies are the catalyst for Macbeth's ambition and subsequent actions, demonstrating the power of suggestion and the danger of unchecked desire.
King Duncan's decision to make Macbeth the new Thane of Cawdor seems to confirm the witches' predictions, further fueling Macbeth's ambition. This turn of events leads Macbeth to contemplate the possibility of becoming king, as foretold by the witches.
Lady Macbeth, upon learning of the prophecies, begins to plot Duncan's murder. Her manipulative nature and strong influence over Macbeth become apparent as she convinces him to carry out the deed, despite his initial reluctance.
Quote: "Come, you spirits / That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, / And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full / Of direst cruelty!" - Lady Macbeth
This act establishes the central conflict of the play: Macbeth's struggle between his ambition and his conscience. The arrival of King Duncan at Macbeth's castle sets the stage for the pivotal murder that will change the course of Scottish history.
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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
Detailed Macbeth Plot Summary and Witches' Prophecies for KS2 and GCSE
Harriet Gee
@harrietgee
Macbeth: A Tragic Tale of Ambition and Prophecy
Shakespeare's Macbethis a gripping tale of ambition, prophecy, and the corrupting influence of power. The play follows the titular character's descent into tyranny and madness after receiving prophecies from three... Show more
Acts Two and Three: The Rise of a Tyrant
Acts Two and Three of Macbeth depict the rapid and violent ascent of Macbeth to the throne, as well as the beginning of his descent into paranoia and tyranny. These acts are crucial in showing the immediate consequences of Macbeth's actions and the deterioration of his character.
The murder of King Duncan marks the point of no return for Macbeth. After committing the deed, Macbeth is immediately plagued by guilt and fear, while Lady Macbeth takes charge of framing Duncan's servants for the crime. The discovery of Duncan's body by Macduff sets off a chain of events that solidify Macbeth's position as king, but also sow the seeds of suspicion among the Scottish nobles.
Highlight: The flight of Malcolm and Donalbain, Duncan's sons, inadvertently makes them appear guilty, further cementing Macbeth's claim to the throne.
As Macbeth assumes the crown, the unnatural and ominous atmosphere in Scotland intensifies. Strange occurrences and disturbances in nature reflect the disruption of the natural order caused by Macbeth's illegitimate rule.
Example: The old man and Rosse discuss how an owl killed a falcon and Duncan's horses ate each other, symbolizing the upheaval in the natural world.
Macbeth's paranoia grows as he becomes fixated on the witches' prophecy about Banquo's descendants becoming kings. This leads him to arrange the murder of Banquo and his son, Fleance. While Banquo is killed, Fleance's escape ensures that the threat to Macbeth's rule remains.
The banquet scene, where Macbeth is haunted by Banquo's ghost, marks a turning point in his mental state. His erratic behavior raises suspicions among the nobles, and the facade of his legitimate rule begins to crumble.
Quote: "The times has been, / That, when the brains were out, the man would die, / And there an end; but now they rise again, / With twenty mortal murders on their crowns, / And push us from our stools." - Macbeth
As Act Three concludes, we see the growing opposition to Macbeth's rule, with Lennox and other lords suspecting his involvement in the murders. The mention of Macduff gathering an army foreshadows the coming conflict and Macbeth's eventual downfall.
These acts demonstrate the corrupting influence of power and the psychological toll of guilt, themes that are central to Shakespeare's exploration of ambition and morality in Macbeth.
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 One: The Witches' Prophecies and Macbeth's Ambition
Act One of Macbeth sets the stage for the tragic events to come, introducing the key characters and the supernatural elements that drive the plot. The play opens with the three witches planning their fateful meeting with Macbeth, establishing the eerie and foreboding atmosphere that permeates the entire work.
When Macbeth and Banquo encounter the witches, they receive prophecies that will shape the course of the play. Macbeth is told he will become Thane of Cawdor and eventually king, while Banquo learns that his descendants will rule Scotland. These prophecies plant the seeds of ambition in Macbeth's mind, setting in motion the tragic events that follow.
Highlight: The witches' prophecies are the catalyst for Macbeth's ambition and subsequent actions, demonstrating the power of suggestion and the danger of unchecked desire.
King Duncan's decision to make Macbeth the new Thane of Cawdor seems to confirm the witches' predictions, further fueling Macbeth's ambition. This turn of events leads Macbeth to contemplate the possibility of becoming king, as foretold by the witches.
Lady Macbeth, upon learning of the prophecies, begins to plot Duncan's murder. Her manipulative nature and strong influence over Macbeth become apparent as she convinces him to carry out the deed, despite his initial reluctance.
Quote: "Come, you spirits / That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, / And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full / Of direst cruelty!" - Lady Macbeth
This act establishes the central conflict of the play: Macbeth's struggle between his ambition and his conscience. The arrival of King Duncan at Macbeth's castle sets the stage for the pivotal murder that will change the course of Scottish history.
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.
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