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We see the army’s and Malcolm’s preparation for battle, the fulfillment of the witches’ prophecies, and the demises of both Lady Macbeth and Macbeth. Lady Macbeth, her icy nerves shattered by the weight of guilt and paranoia, gives way to sleepwalking and a delusional belief that her hands are stained with blood.
Act 5, Scene 3. At Dunsinane, Macbeth tires of hearing reports of nobles who have defected to join the English forces. He feels consoled, however, by the witches' prophesy that he has nothing to fear until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane, or until he counters a man not born of woman.
Analysis. The news of Lady Macbeth’s sudden death (which Malcolm later says is thought to have been a suicide) prompts the best-known speech in the play: Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,...
Need help with Act 5, scene 1 in William Shakespeare's Macbeth? Check out our revolutionary side-by-side summary and analysis.
Analysis. Macbeth laughs at the coming army, but seems bored by his lack of fear. Suddenly, a woman cries out. Seyton investigates, and returns with news that Lady Macbeth has died.
Act 5, Scene 5 Summary. Macbeth is still in his castle. He is fully confident that the advancing army will not be able to pass the castle’s barriers. Suddenly, he hears a woman’s scream. Seyton enters and informs Macbeth that Lady Macbeth is dead. Macbeth now delivers his famous lines: “Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player / That ...
Summary. On another part of the battlefield, Macbeth and Macduff finally come face to face. Words, then sword thrusts are exchanged, and Macbeth, the bloody and tyrannical usurper of the throne of Scotland, meets his predestined end.
