What is macbeth about

Macbeth Summary

Macbeth is riveting play written by Shakespeare set in Scotland during the medieval era. It is based loosely on a historical event. The play follows the rise to power and downfall of a warrior named Macbeth. Macbeth is a popular soldier in King Duncan's army when he is informed by witches that he will become king. The witches also prophecy that Scotland future kings will descend from Banquo, Macbeth's fellow army captain. When King Duncan says that Malcolm will be his heir, Macbeth is left confused and angry. His wife puts the thought into his mind that the murder of the king is the fasted way for Macbeth to achieve his destiny. When King Duncan visits Macbeth's castle he is given this opportunity. His wife drugs the guards and Macbeth goes to the King's chamber and murders him. Macbeth is haunted by his crime, but his wife convinces him that this was the only way. Suddenly someone knocks loudly on the castle door. When a servant responds to the knocking, Macduff, a loyal follower of the king is found on the other side. He asks to wake Duncan so that they may return home. Macduff discovers the king's body and Macbeth soon after kills Macduff. The lords of Scotland all swear to avenge this murder, including Macbeth himself. The sons of the king flee to Ireland and England to raise armies. Macbeth is then proclaimed the new king of Scotland. He then arranged the death of his fellow captain Banquo and his son when he remembers the witches prophecy. Banquo is killed, but his son escaped. At a banquet later that night Banquo's ghost appears at the dining table and Macbeth's strain again's what he has done is starting to show. The next day Macbeth visits the witches who foretold he would be king. They also prophecy that "Macbeth will be invincible in battle until the time when the forest of Birnam moves towards his stronghold at Dunsinane and until he meets an enemy "not born of woman." Macbeth shrugs off these as nonsense. Next, Macbeth finds that Macduff has deserted him and moves to destroy his wife and children. Macduff receives this news just as he is pledging his allegiance to Malcolm. In Scotland, Lady Macbeth is getting sick and beginning to sleepwalk and recalling portions of the murder. The next scenes portray Malcolm's army advancing towards Scotland and Macbeth preparing for battle. Malcolm's army disguises themselves with branches. When they finally meet in battle. Malcolm reveals that he was born by way of c-section, fulfilling the prophecy not "born of woman." Macbeth rejects this news and launches himself into battle and loses. Finally, Malcolm is crowned king of Scotland.