Macbeth

Synopsis

An improved, larger-format edition of the Cambridge School Shakespeare plays, extensively rewritten, expanded and produced in an attractive new design. An active approach to classroom Shakespeare enables students to inhabit Shakespeare's imaginative world in accessible and creative ways. Students are encouraged to share Shakespeare's love of language, interest in character and sense of theatre.Substantially revised and extended in full colour, classroom activities are thematically organised in distinctive 'Stagecraft', 'Write about it', 'Language in the play', 'Characters' and 'Themes' features. Extended glossaries are aligned with the play text for easy reference. Expanded endnotes include extensive essay-writing guidance for 'Macbeth' and Shakespeare.Includes rich, exciting colour photos of performances of 'Macbeth' from around the world.

Summary

Chapter 1

Summary:
Introduces Macbeth and Banquo, two Scottish generals returning from battle. They encounter three witches who make three prophecies: Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor, Thane of Ross, and King; Banquo's sons will become kings.

Example:
"All hail, Macbeth! hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor! / All hail, Macbeth! that shalt be king hereafter!"

Chapter 2

Summary:
Macbeth learns that the witches' first prophecy has come true when he is made Thane of Cawdor. He and his wife, Lady Macbeth, are driven by ambition to kill King Duncan and claim the throne.

Example:
"Glamis thou art, and Cawdor, and shalt be / What thou art promis'd."

Chapter 3

Summary:
King Duncan visits Macbeth's castle and is killed by Macbeth. Lady Macbeth helps her husband cover up the murder.

Example:
"He's here in double trust: / First, as I am his kinsman and his subject, / Strong both against the deed; then, as his host, / Who should against his murderer shut the door, / Not bare the knife myself."

Chapter 4

Summary:
Macbeth frames Duncan's sons for the murder and becomes king. He is haunted by guilt and hallucination, including the ghost of Banquo.

Example:
"Is this a dagger which I see before me, / The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee. / I have thee not, and yet I see thee still."

Chapter 5

Summary:
Lady Macbeth descends into madness due to her guilt. Macbeth has Macduff's family killed.

Example:
"Out, damned spot! out, I say! One, two. Why, then 'tis time to do't. Hell is murky! Fie, my lord, fie! a soldier, and afeard? What need we fear who knows it, when none can call our power to account?"

Chapter 6

Summary:
Macduff and Malcolm, Duncan's son, form an alliance against Macbeth. The witches make a final prophecy that Macbeth will not be defeated until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane Hill.

Example:
"Macbeth shall never vanquish'd be until / Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill / Shall come against him."

Chapter 7

Summary:
Macbeth faces the allied forces led by Macduff. Birnam Wood is transported to Dunsinane Hill, fulfilling the prophecy. Macbeth is killed by Macduff.

Example:
"Despair thy charm; / And let the angel whom thou still hast serv'd / Tell thee, Macduff was from his mother's womb / Untimely ripp'd."