Macbeth Act 1 summary: Shakespeare's tragedy begins with three witches planning to meet Macbeth. King Duncan rewards Macbeth's battlefield heroics by naming him Thane of Cawdor. The witches prophesy Macbeth will become king, spurring his ambition. Lady Macbeth pushes her hesitant husband to murder Duncan when he visits their castle.
- Key themes: Ambition, prophecy, supernatural, murder
- Introduces main characters and central conflict
- Sets dark, ominous tone for the play
- Explores Macbeth's internal struggle with morality vs. ambition
Macbeth Act 2 summary: Macbeth hallucinates a bloody dagger before murdering Duncan. Afterwards, he is wracked with guilt and paranoia. Lady Macbeth takes charge to frame the guards. Macduff discovers Duncan's body, and Macbeth kills the guards in feigned outrage. Duncan's sons flee, fearing for their lives.
- Focuses on the act of regicide and its immediate aftermath
- Depicts Macbeth's descent into guilt and madness
- Lady Macbeth emerges as the stronger, more decisive character
- Introduces blood as a key motif symbolizing guilt