Acts 4 and 5: Prophecies Fulfilled and Macbeth's Downfall
The final acts of Macbeth bring the tragedy to its climactic conclusion, fulfilling the prophecies and sealing Macbeth's fate. The Macbeth Act 4 summary begins with Macbeth seeking out the witches for more information about his future.
The witches summon three apparitions, each delivering a new prophecy:
- Beware of Macduff
- No man born of woman can harm Macbeth
- Macbeth will not be defeated until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane Hill
Analysis of prophecies in Macbeth: These new prophecies give Macbeth a false sense of security, leading to his eventual downfall.
Macbeth, emboldened by these seemingly impossible conditions for his defeat, becomes even more ruthless. He orders the murder of Macduff's family, an act of senseless cruelty that cements his status as a tyrant.
Meanwhile, in England, Macduff joins forces with Malcolm, and they plan to overthrow Macbeth with the support of the English army.
The Macbeth Act 5 summary depicts the final unraveling of Macbeth's reign. Lady Macbeth, consumed by guilt, descends into madness. Her famous sleepwalking scene reveals the psychological toll of their crimes.
Quote: "Out, damned spot! Out, I say!" - Lady Macbeth
As the English forces approach, the prophecies begin to unravel in unexpected ways. The soldiers use branches from Birnam Wood as camouflage, making it appear as if the forest is moving towards Dunsinane.
Highlight: The fulfillment of the prophecies in unexpected ways demonstrates the danger of overconfidence and misinterpretation.
The final confrontation between Macbeth and Macduff reveals the true meaning of the second prophecy. Macduff was born by caesarean section, making him technically not "of woman born."
Vocabulary: Caesarean section - A surgical procedure used to deliver a baby by cutting through the mother's abdomen and uterus.
Macbeth is killed in battle, and Malcolm is crowned as the rightful king of Scotland, restoring order to the kingdom.
The play's conclusion serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the self-fulfilling nature of prophecy. Macbeth's rise and fall through the acts is complete, with his initial promise giving way to tyranny and ultimately, his own destruction.
