Macbeth Notes

The story takes place in Medieval Scotland and Britain. Macbeth kills the traitorous thane of cawdor, and soon the fates come and tell him a prophecy about him becomming the future king and that his friend Banquo will be both greater and lesser than he. Soon Macbeth is told that he is next in line for the kingship. Lady Macbeth then harasses Macbeth into slaying King Duncan and creates a cover story for both of them. Duncan's sons flee the murder thinking they will be next and try to raise an army in England. He then kills Banquo because of what was mentioned in the prophecy. Banquo's son flees to England as well. Macduff becomes suspicious of all the killings and deserts Macbeth as well, who then later kills Macduff's wife and kids. Lady Macbeth realizes the horror that she created in Macbeth and kills herself. Macbeth is grieved but undettered in his quest for kingship. The witches warn that Macbeth will be invincible until the Birmam woods move and that he will be slain by one born not of a woman, who turns out to be Macduff who was born by c-section. Macbeth gets beheaded by Macduff in combat and Duncan's son, Malcolm becomes king.