MacBeth by William Shakespeare

 

MacBeth

by William Shakespeare

MacBeth, a general of the King Duncan plots with his wife to kill the king to become king himself, framing the king's sons. He does this because of a prophesy of three witches, who also tell him that Banquo's heirs will inherit succession. MacBeth decides to kill Banquo even though Banquo was never told he would be king. 

MacBeth visits the witches again, who tell him that he will remain king until the Birnam Wood itself marches against him. He scoffs, but becomes paranoid and goes on a killing rampage, murdering many including MacDuff's family. MacDuff has fled to find Malcolm, one of Duncan's sons, and pleads with him to lead an army against MacBeth.

MacDuff's army carries branches in front of them to hide their numbers as they march on MacBeth's castle. MacBeth had felt secure before this. In the meantime Lady MacBeth has been walking in her sleep and discloses what was done, and is overheard. She is plagued by conscience and kills herself.

MacBeth learns of her suicide as the battle begins. He fight against MacDuff, learning that MacDuff was born by caesarean and not of woman by natural birth, a loohole the witches warned of but MacBeth did not consider. MacBeth allows MacDuff to kill him, knowing there is no hope based on the prophesy. Malcom becomes king.

A good play. I will give it no rating. How does one rate Shakespeare?