What is the play Macbeth about brief summary?
Macbeth Summary. Three witches tell the Scottish general Macbeth that he will be King of Scotland. Encouraged by his wife, Macbeth kills the king, becomes the new king, and kills more people out of paranoia. Civil war erupts to overthrow Macbeth, resulting in more death.
What is the story of Macbeth in a nutshell?
A brave Scottish general named Macbeth receives a prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. Consumed by ambition and spurred to action by his wife, Macbeth murders King Duncan and takes the Scottish throne for himself. He is then wracked with guilt and paranoia.
What is the setting of Macbeth?
Macbeth is set during the 11th century in Scotland, in the northernmost region of what is now the United Kingdom. At the time the play is set, Scotland was a separate country, although its proximity to England led to many struggles over who would rule the area.
What are the three main themes in Macbeth?
As a tragedy, Macbeth is a dramatization of the psychological repercussions of unbridled ambition. The play’s main themes—loyalty, guilt, innocence, and fate—all deal with the central idea of ambition and its consequences.
Who killed Macbeth in real life?
Malcolm
On August 15, 1057, Macbeth was defeated and killed by Malcolm at the Battle of Lumphanan with the assistance of the English. Malcolm Canmore was crowned Malcolm III in 1058.
What are the three main settings in Macbeth?
The Scottish scenes range from Duncan’s camp at Forres, to Macbeth’s castles at Inverness and Dunsinane.
How does the setting affect Macbeth?
Macbeth is set in Scotland and much of the drama takes place in the dark, whether it is under threat of a thunderstorm or in a castle. The darkness establishes Macbeth’s own mood and creates a sense of foreboding. The scene is then set for chaos and evil.