Macbeth, Act 5 Summary

Scene 1: Lady Macbeth's Bedroom

• Characters Introduced:
  • Doctor
  • Gentlewoman (Lady Macbeth's assistant)
• Events:
  • Lady Macbeth is observed sleepwalking.
  • She acts as if she is washing her hands, implying guilt over murder ("Out, damned spot!").
  • She speaks of blood that cannot be washed away and expresses guilt over King Duncan's murder.
  • Famous quote: "What's done cannot be undone."
  • The doctor concludes Lady Macbeth's issues are spiritual/moral.
  • The doctor advises to remove anything Lady Macbeth could use to harm herself.

Scene 2: Scottish Countryside

• Characters:
  • Scottish soldiers
  • Malcolm, Old Seward, Young Seward, Macduff
• Events:
  • Soldiers march toward Dunsinane to defeat Macbeth.
  • They reference the witches' prophecy regarding Burnham Wood moving to Dunsinane.

Scene 3: Inside Macbeth's Castle

• Characters:
  • Macbeth
  • Servant (Satan)
• Events:
  • Many soldiers desert Macbeth.
  • Macbeth remains confident due to the witches' prophecies.
  • Macbeth readies for battle, orders his armor despite premature timing.
  • Macbeth discusses Lady Macbeth's health with the doctor.

Scene 4: Near Burnham Wood

• Characters:
  • Malcolm, Macduff, English and Scottish soldiers
• Events:
  • Malcolm instructs soldiers to camouflage with tree branches.

Scene 5: Inside Dunsinane Castle

• Events:
  • Macbeth hears of Lady Macbeth's death; the play implies suicide.
  • Famous soliloquy on the meaningless of life: "Out, out, brief candle..."
  • Reports of Burnham Wood 'moving' towards the castle.
  • Macbeth decides to fight outside the castle.

Scene 6: Outside Dunsinane Castle

• Characters:
  • Malcolm, the Seawards, Macduff
• Events:
  • Soldiers drop tree branches; they prepare for the attack.
  • Seawards lead the initial assault.

Scene 7: The Battle

• Events:
  • Macbeth kills Young Seaward.
  • Macduff seeks Macbeth, driven by revenge for his family.

Scene 8: Macbeth vs. Macduff

• Events:
  • Macduff confronts Macbeth, revealing a cesarean birth exempts him from "woman born" prophecy.
  • Macduff kills Macbeth offstage.

Scene 9: Aftermath

• Events:
  • Macduff presents Macbeth's head.
  • Malcolm is hailed as the new King of Scotland.
  • Malcolm grants royal titles and invites everyone to Scone for the coronation.

Conclusion

• The tragedy of Macbeth emphasizes themes of guilt, prophecy, and the quest for power.
• Encouragement to share and learn from Shakespeare's works.