MACBETH Characters A Tragedy Summary of Macbeth n

MACBETH Characters A Tragedy

Summary of Macbeth n n Macbeth a brave and intelligent man deliberately murders one of his fellowmen – his friend, his kinsman, his guest, his king – and then he must immediately as a consequence of his first murder, kill two other innocent men. Eventually he falls to disgrace, alienation, isolation, despair, violent death, and decapatation.

Macbeth as a Tragedy n n A tragedy is a literary work depicting serious events in which the main character, who is often high-ranking and dignified, comes to an unhappy end Tragedies do not have to result in death, but most often they do.

Macbeth l Scottish General, Thane (title of nobility) of Glamis (village in Scotland). l Brave soldier, but lacks moral standards l Powerful man, but easily tempted l Ambitious l Wife has power over him

Lady Macbeth • • Very ambitious, loves power Stronger than her husband (? ) Ruthless Loves her husband & has a good relationship

Porter § Doorman of Macbeth’s castle § Heavy drinker

The 3 Witches • Plot mischief & problems for Macbeth using charms & spells • Mean spirited • Do they make their own prophecies (ability to predict the future) come true or do they have inside information? • Hercate – the Goddess of Witchcraft; she helps the 3

Banquo • General • Ambitious & brave • Upholds higher standards than Macbeth • Fleance is Banquo’s son

King Duncan n n King of Scotland Kind and good ruler of Scotland Malcolm – older son Donalbain – younger son

Macduff • Scottish Nobleman (aristocrat) a member of nobility or the highest social class in a country • Does not like Macbeth

Lady Macduff Wants a nice home and family life

Lennox & Ross n Scottish noblemen (members of nobility or the highest social class in a country)

Castles of Glamis, Scotland

United Kingdom: England, Ireland, Scotland Wales

Overview of Macbeth n Beginning of play: q q Macbeth is a noble and captain who loyally serves King Duncan. Soon he hungers for more power and his wife encourages him. Eventually Macbeth murders Duncan and Banquo, slaughters Macduff’s family, and Lady Macbeth commits suicide

End of Macbeth n n Macduff seizes his castle and kills Macbeth. Duncan’s son, Malcolm, becomes king.

Summary of Act I n Scene 1 q q q Three witches greet Macbeth as he comes in from battle. Scene 2 Macbeth kills the traitor Macdonwald Macbeth and Banquo forced the Norwegians to surrender. Duncan condemns to death the present Thane of Cawdor and awards Macbeth the title.