Macbeth · Chapters

Chapters explained

Chapter companions for Macbeth by William Shakespeare.

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Chapter 1
Act I
Macbeth — Stage Lens: dramatic beats, line helps that follow your scroll, and stage picture. Read to understand, not to collect a closed thesis.
Chapter 2
Scene I
Three witches meet in a desolate place amidst thunder and lightning, planning to reconvene after the battle to encounter Macbeth. They chant 'Fair is foul, and foul is fair,' establishing an atmosphere of moral confusion and supernatural influence.
Chapter 3
Scene II
At a camp near Forres, King Duncan, Malcolm, Donalbain, and Lennox meet a bleeding sergeant who reports on the battle. The sergeant describes how Macbeth valiantly defeated the rebel Macdonwald and then, with Banquo, repelled a fresh assault by the Norwegian lord. Ross arrives and confirms the victory, also revealing that the Thane of Cawdor has betrayed Scotland by aiding Norway. Duncan orders the Thane of Cawdor's execution and bestows his title upon Macbeth.
Chapter 4
Scene III
On a heath near Forres, the three witches meet and discuss their malicious deeds. Macbeth and Banquo encounter them, and the witches deliver prophecies: Macbeth is hailed as Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and future king; Banquo is told he will beget kings though not be one. Ross and Angus arrive to inform Macbeth that he has been granted the title Thane of Cawdor, confirming part of the prophecy. Macbeth is inwardly shaken by the implications, contemplating murderous thoughts, while Banquo warns of the deceptive nature of evil forces.
Chapter 5
Scene IV: The Naming of the Prince of Cumberland
At the royal palace in Forres, King Duncan learns of the Thane of Cawdor's execution and reflects on the difficulty of judging character from appearance. He warmly welcomes Macbeth and Banquo, praising their valor. Duncan then announces that his son Malcolm will be Prince of Cumberland, the heir to the throne. This declaration stirs Macbeth's hidden ambition, and in an aside he acknowledges that Malcolm now stands as an obstacle he must overcome. Macbeth departs to prepare for the king's visit to Inverness.

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Act I

Scene I

Scene II

Scene III

Scene IV: The Naming of the Prince of Cumberland