Literature Class Notes
Topic: Shakespeare’s Macbeth
Date: January 20, 2025
Instructor: Mrs. Collins
1. Introduction to Macbeth
Macbeth is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written in 1606.
The play explores themes of ambition, power, guilt, and fate, centered around the tragic downfall of its protagonist, Macbeth.
2. Plot Summary
Act 1: The Prophecy
Macbeth, a loyal warrior to King Duncan of Scotland, encounters three witches on a desolate heath. The witches prophesy that he will
become the Thane of Cawdor and eventually the King of Scotland.
Key Quote:
“All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!”
Lady Macbeth persuades Macbeth to murder Duncan and seize the throne.
Act 2: The Murder of Duncan
Macbeth, torn with guilt but driven by ambition, kills King Duncan in his sleep, with the help of Lady Macbeth. The murder sets off a chain of
events, leading to Macbeth’s rise to power but also to his inner turmoil and paranoia.
Key Quote:
“Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?” (Macbeth's guilt)
Act 3: Macbeth’s Paranoia
Macbeth, now king, becomes paranoid about his hold on the throne. He orders the murder of Banquo, his former friend, fearing Banquo’s
descendants will take his crown as prophesied by the witches.
Key Quote:
“To be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus.”
Act 4: The Downfall
Macbeth seeks out the witches again, and they show him three more prophecies, which make him feel invincible. However, his paranoia
continues to grow, and he orders the slaughter of Macduff’s family.
Key Quote:
“None of woman born shall harm Macbeth.”
Act 5: The End of Macbeth
Lady Macbeth, consumed by guilt, descends into madness and dies. Meanwhile, Macbeth’s enemies, led by Macduff, march toward his
castle. In a final confrontation, Macduff reveals he was born by caesarean section (not "of woman born"), and kills Macbeth. Malcolm
becomes king, restoring order to Scotland.
3. Major Themes
A. Ambition
Ambition is a central theme in
Macbeth
. Macbeth’s unchecked desire for power leads him to commit murder and set off a cycle of violence, ultimately leading to his downfall.
Key Quote:
“I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself and falls on the other.” (Macbeth, Act 1,
Scene 7)
B. Guilt and Conscience
Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth struggle with the guilt of their actions. Macbeth is haunted by visions and his conscience after murdering
Duncan, and Lady Macbeth is driven mad by the blood on her hands.
Key Quote:
“Out, out brief candle! Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage.” (Macbeth, Act 5, Scene 5)
C. Fate vs. Free Will
The witches’ prophecy plays a large role in the story, but it’s unclear whether Macbeth is doomed by fate or if his actions are driven by his
own choices.
Key Quote:
“If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me, without my stir.” (Macbeth, Act 1, Scene 3)
D. The Supernatural
The supernatural is a constant presence in Macbeth, influencing the characters' actions. The witches, visions, and apparitions guide and
manipulate Macbeth’s choices, ultimately leading to his destruction.
4. Key Characters
Macbeth: The tragic hero, whose unchecked ambition leads to his downfall.
“I am in blood stepped in so far that, should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as go o’er.”(Macbeth, Act 3, Scene 4)
Lady Macbeth: Macbeth’s wife, who is equally ambitious and manipulative, but later consumed by guilt.
“Out, damned spot! out, I say!” (Lady Macbeth, Act 5, Scene 1)
Banquo: Macbeth’s friend, whose descendants are prophesied to become kings. Macbeth fears Banquo’s legacy.
“Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none.” (Witches to Banquo, Act 1, Scene 3)
Macduff: The nobleman who opposes Macbeth. He ultimately kills Macbeth in the final battle.
“Turn hell-hound, turn!” (Macduff, Act 5, Scene 8)
The Witches: Mysterious figures who predict Macbeth’s rise and fall. They serve as agents of fate.
“Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” (Witches, Act 1, Scene 1)
5. Literary Devices
Symbolism:
Blood symbolizes guilt and the consequences of murder throughout the play.
Light and Darkness represent good and evil, with many scenes occurring in the dark as Macbeth’s morality darkens.
Foreshadowing:
The witches' prophecies foreshadow key events, such as Macbeth’s rise to power and eventual fall.
Soliloquies:
Macbeth and Lady Macbeth both have important soliloquies that reveal their inner thoughts and motivations. Macbeth’s soliloquy in Act 1,
Scene 7 is a key moment where he debates whether to go through with the murder of Duncan.
6. Homework:
Read Act 4: Pay attention to how Macbeth’s character continues to evolve and how the witches’ new prophecies affect him.
Essay (Due Friday): Analyze the role of fate vs. free will in Macbeth’s downfall. Use at least three quotes from the text to support your
argument.
7. End of Class Summary:
Macbeth explores the corrupting power of ambition, the consequences of guilt, and the tension between fate and free will. Through
Shakespeare's use of vivid imagery and complex characters, we see how Macbeth's choices lead to his tragic end.
