Macbeth Summary
Description
Here you will find a Macbeth summary (William Shakespeare's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.
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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024
Chapters
- Book Summary
- Act 1 Scene 1
- Act 1 Scene 2
- Act 1 Scene 3
- Act 1 Scene 4
- Act 1 Scene 5
- Act 1 Scene 6
- Act 1 Scene 7
- Act 2 Scene 1
- Act 2 Scene 2
- Act 2 Scene 3
- Act 2 Scene 4
- Act 3 Scene 1
- Act 3 Scene 2
- Act 3 Scene 3
- Act 3 Scene 4
- Act 3 Scene 5
- Act 3 Scene 6
- Act 4 Scene 1
- Act 4 Scene 2
- Act 4 Scene 3
- Act 5 Scene 1
- Act 5 Scene 2
- Act 5 Scene 3
- Act 5 Scene 4
- Act 5 Scene 5
- Act 5 Scene 6
- Act 5 Scene 7
- Act 5 Scene 8
Chapters
- Book Summary
- Act 1 Scene 1
- Act 1 Scene 2
- Act 1 Scene 3
- Act 1 Scene 4
- Act 1 Scene 5
- Act 1 Scene 6
- Act 1 Scene 7
- Act 2 Scene 1
- Act 2 Scene 2
- Act 2 Scene 3
- Act 2 Scene 4
- Act 3 Scene 1
- Act 3 Scene 2
- Act 3 Scene 3
- Act 3 Scene 4
- Act 3 Scene 5
- Act 3 Scene 6
- Act 4 Scene 1
- Act 4 Scene 2
- Act 4 Scene 3
- Act 5 Scene 1
- Act 5 Scene 2
- Act 5 Scene 3
- Act 5 Scene 4
- Act 5 Scene 5
- Act 5 Scene 6
- Act 5 Scene 7
- Act 5 Scene 8
Macbeth Summary Overview
The narrative initiates with a trio of witches, followed by a scene at a military camp where King Duncan of Scotland learns about the victory of his generals, Macbeth and Banquo, over two rival armies. As the generals traverse a moor, they come across the witches again who predict that Macbeth will attain the royal statuses of Thane of Cawdor and eventually King of Scotland, while Banquo's descendants will secure Scottish dynasties, however, Banquo won't be a king himself. Macbeth begins to wonder whether the rest of the witches’ prediction—his royal ascent—could be true after he is declared the Thane of Cawdor, as foretold. The two generals meet King Duncan, and later Macbeth communicates the unusual events to his wife, Lady Macbeth. Unlike her husband, Lady Macbeth is resolute and desires the crown for him. When Macbeth returns to Inverness, their castle, she convinces him to murder King Duncan that night. They conspire to blame Duncan's murder on his intoxicated chamberlains, who won't remember anything. Despite his apprehensions, Macbeth kills Duncan and effectively seizes the throne after Duncan's sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, afraid for their lives, flee to England and Ireland, respectively. Macbeth, still insecure about his power and wary of the prophecy about Banquo's heirs, hires murderers to kill Banquo and his son Fleance, who narrowly escapes. Upon seeing Banquo's ghost, Macbeth becomes terrified, alarming his guests and causing Lady Macbeth to mitigate the situation. Macbeth's paranoia and tyranny stir resistance amongst his nobles. In his fear, he consults the witches again, who warn him of Macduff, a nobleman opposing his reign, and foretell that only a man not naturally born and an advancing forest can harm him. Feeling secure, Macbeth orders the seizure of Macduff’s castle and the execution of his family upon learning Macduff has fled to England to join Malcolm. Macduff, now seeking revenge, joins forces with Malcolm and the English army, backed by the Scottish nobles, to overthrow Macbeth. Lady Macbeth, tormented by guilt, dies, leaving Macbeth despondent but confident of his invincibility due to the witches' prophecies. His confidence wanes when he hears that the English army is camouflaged with branches from Birnam Wood, fulfilling part of the witches’ prophecy. Despite fighting fiercely, Macbeth is killed by Macduff, who reveals he was born of a cesarean birth. Malcolm, now the rightful king, promises a peaceful reign and invites all to witness his coronation.
act 1 scene 1
Amid a tempest on a desolate Scottish moor, three aged witches materialize. Speaking in haunting, rhythmic speech, they devise a scheme to encounter Macbeth post-battle on the same heath. As swiftly as they emerged, they vanish into the storm.
act 1 scene 2
Within a military encampment close to King Duncan's palace in Forres, the monarch of Scotland inquires about the Scots-Irish battle from an injured captain. The captain, injured while aiding Duncan's son Malcolm evade Irish capture, reports Scottish generals Macbeth and Banquo displayed immense bravery and ferocity. The officer further narrates Macbeth's killing of the traitor Macdonwald to Duncan. As the captain is ushered away for medical treatment, the thane of Ross, a Scottish aristocrat, makes an appearance. He informs the king of the defeat of the disloyal thane of Cawdor and the Norwegian forces' repulsion. As a result, Duncan orders Cawdor's execution and grants his title to Macbeth, the triumphant army's hero. Ross is then dispatched to convey this news to Macbeth.
act 1 scene 3
The thunderous heath near the battlefield becomes the gathering point for the three eerie witches. One reveals her recent act of killing a pig, while another shares her scheming retaliation against a sailor, punished by his wife's refusal to part with her chestnuts. The arrival of Macbeth is heralded by the third witch, as a drum ominously thunders in the distance. Macbeth and Banquo, en route to the royal court of Forres, stumble upon these spectral women. They recoil in dread, questioning the very nature of these beings - their earthly existence and their seemingly masculine appearance. The witches welcome Macbeth by his current title of thane of Glamis, but also bestow upon him the title of thane of Cawdor - a title unknown to him at that time. They further prophesize his ascension to the throne, leaving Macbeth intrigued and bewildered. Their attention swiftly shifts to Banquo, as they deliver another cryptic prophecy. They hail him as both less and more than Macbeth, unhappy yet happier, and declare that his offspring, not he, will reign. Macbeth, desperately wanting more clarification, finds the witches vanished into thin air. In the wake of this surreal encounter, Macbeth and Banquo reflect. Macbeth is ensnared by the prophecy, while Banquo pragmatically warns that the devil may use half-truths to ensnare them. Ross and Angus interrupt, delivering the news of Macbeth's new title as thane of Cawdor, the previous holder condemned for treason. Astonished, Macbeth enquires about Banquo's hope for a royal lineage. As Banquo cautions him, Macbeth becomes lost in a solitary contemplation of potential kingship and the actions he may need to undertake for it. As they depart for Forres, Macbeth subtly requests a private conversation with Banquo to discuss these events further.
act 1 scene 4
Within the royal palace, Duncan receives news of Cawdor's dignified death at the hands of his son, Malcolm. He learns that Cawdor repented and confessed to all his crimes. Joined by Macbeth, Banquo, Ross, and Angus, Duncan expresses his gratitude to Macbeth and Banquo for their bravery in battle. Both generals reciprocate his sentiment, pledging their unwavering loyalty. Duncan discloses his decision to name Malcolm his successor, a declaration met with outward joy but internal dismay by Macbeth. He realizes Malcolm is now the obstacle to his ambition to ascend the throne. It's decided that a feast will be held at Macbeth's residence that evening. Macbeth leaves ahead of the royal entourage to prepare his wife for their imminent royal guest.
act 1 scene 5
Within the confines of Macbeth's castle in Inverness, Lady Macbeth ponders over a letter from her husband. In it, Macbeth details his ascension to Thane of Cawdor and his peculiar encounter with witches. Lady Macbeth acknowledges her husband's ambition but worries his inherent benevolence may thwart his path to the throne. Determined, she vows to persuade Macbeth to seize the crown at any cost. A courier arrives, informing Lady Macbeth of King Duncan's imminent arrival and Macbeth's return. Alone, she delivers a powerful soliloquy, pleading with the spirits to strip away her femininity and fill her with ruthless cruelty, necessary for the bloody act to come. Upon Macbeth's return, the spouses discuss the approaching royal visit. Macbeth discloses Duncan's plan to leave the following day. However, Lady Macbeth chillingly assures her husband that the king will not live to see another sunrise. She counsels patience, taking the reins of their dark scheme into her own hands.
act 1 scene 6
Duncan, leading the Scottish nobles and their entourage, reaches Macbeth’s fortress. He compliments the castle's tranquil surroundings and expresses gratitude to Lady Macbeth, who has stepped forward to welcome him, for her generosity. She responds, asserting that it's her obligation to show kindness, considering the immense debt of gratitude they owe their sovereign. Duncan requests to be escorted to Macbeth, for whom he declares his profound affection.
act 1 scene 7
Within the castle, Macbeth anxiously contemplates the murder of Duncan amidst the setting of a celebratory feast. He grapples with the potential repercussions, both earthly and eternal, of such a violent act. He understands that his reasons for wanting to kill Duncan - he is Duncan's kin, subject, and host and the king is well-respected - offer him no justification. He recognizes that his sole motivation is ambition, a fickle compass. Lady Macbeth enters and informs him that the king has been asking for him. Upon learning that Macbeth has decided against murder, she challenges his bravery and masculinity. She assures him that with audacity, success is guaranteed. She reveals her plan to intoxicate Duncan's chamberlains and frame them for the murder. Impressed by the boldness of his wife's scheme, Macbeth reconsiders and agrees to go ahead with the assassination.
act 2 scene 1
In the torchlit corridors of Macbeth's stronghold, Banquo and his son Fleance converse. Fleance notes the lateness of the hour, to which Banquo admits his reluctance to sleep due to distressing dreams. When Macbeth appears, Banquo is taken aback. He mentions the king is sleeping and alludes to his dream involving the "three weird sisters." Banquo insinuates the witches might have imparted truth to Macbeth, who denies giving them any thought since their woodland meeting. They mutually decide to revisit the witches' predictions at a later date. Upon Banquo and Fleance's departure, Macbeth experiences a hallucination of a dagger suspended midair, its handle facing him and its point directing him towards Duncan. He attempts to clutch the apparition, to no avail. He questions the reality of the vision, considering it a deception of his anxious mind, potentially stemming from his overheated brain. As he continues to gaze at the phantom dagger, he perceives blood on the blade. He quickly rationalizes the vision as a projection of his apprehension about assassinating Duncan. Despite the chilling and supernatural atmosphere surrounding him, Macbeth steels himself to carry out the murderous act. A bell tolls, signalling from Lady Macbeth that the chamberlains are unconscious, and Macbeth heads purposefully towards Duncan’s chamber.
act 2 scene 2
Exiting the hall, Macbeth is replaced by Lady Macbeth, who is filled with audacity. She envisions her husband in the act of murdering the king. Upon hearing Macbeth's cry, she fears the servants have been roused from their slumber. She is confused about Macbeth's potential failure, as she had carefully arranged the daggers for the servants. She claims she would've committed the murder herself, had the king not resembled her father in his sleep. Macbeth returns, hands stained with blood, confirming the act has been completed. He is visibly unsettled, mentioning hearing the servants pray, then returning to sleep, but he was unable to echo their 'amen'. He also thought he heard a voice proclaiming: "Sleep no more, Macbeth ends sleep." Lady Macbeth initially tries to calm her husband, but becomes irate upon realizing he neglected to plant the daggers on the sleeping servants to incriminate them for King Duncan’s death. Macbeth refuses to return to the room, prompting her to retrieve the daggers, scornfully stating her shame in his cowardice. As she departs, Macbeth is startled by an ominous knocking, asking anxiously if “all great Neptune’s ocean will cleanse this blood from my hand?” Lady Macbeth reappears as the knocking continues, leading her husband back to their room to wash the incriminating blood from his hands. “A little water clears us of this deed,” she assures him, “How simple it is then!”
act 2 scene 3
A porter grumpily answers a knock at the door, comparing himself to a gatekeeper of hell. Macduff and Lennox arrive, with Macduff expressing impatience at the porter's delayed response. The porter humorously blames his tardiness on a night of drinking, attributing it to various effects including a red face, drowsiness and frequent urination. He further quips that alcohol both promotes and inhibits lust. Macbeth makes his entry and is asked about the king's whereabouts by Macduff. Macbeth, speaking in terse sentences, confirms that Duncan is not yet awake and offers to lead Macduff to him. As Macduff goes to the king’s room, Lennox recounts the violent storms of the previous night. Soon, Macduff rushes out of the room, exclaiming that Duncan has been murdered. Macbeth and Lennox rush to see. Lady Macbeth shows up, feigning shock at the horrific act committed under her roof. The nobles and servants arrive, causing a frenzy. Emerging from the bedroom, Macbeth and Lennox meet Malcolm and Donalbain, who are informed that their father was presumably murdered by his own guards, evidenced by the bloody daggers found with them. Macbeth admits to killing the guards in a fit of rage. Macduff appears suspicious of Macbeth's hasty actions. Lady Macbeth suddenly collapses, causing Macduff and Banquo to call for medical help. Malcolm and Donalbain, fearing for their own safety, resolve to escape. Malcolm opts for England while Donalbain chooses Ireland. Amidst all this, Macbeth and Banquo rally the nobles to discuss the murder, while Lady Macbeth is carried away.
act 2 scene 4
Thane Ross and an old man converse outside the castle, reflecting on recent ominous events: an inexplicable darkness during the day, an owl slaying a falcon, and Duncan's horses cannibalizing each other. Macduff exits the castle, informing Ross that the lords have declared Macbeth king, and he is en route to Scone for the crowning ceremony. Macduff suggests that Duncan's chamberlains, seemingly the prime suspects, might have been bribed to commit the murder. Malcolm and Donalbain, Duncan's sons, are also under suspicion as they have absconded. Macduff then leaves for his Fife residence, and Ross sets out for Scone to attend Macbeth's inauguration.
act 3 scene 1
Banquo reflects within Forres' royal palace about the prophecy given by the witches, indicating Macbeth's kingship and the future ascension of Banquo's descendants to the throne. With the first prophecy fulfilled, Banquo's ambition is stirred, contemplating the likelihood of the second prophecy. Macbeth, now king, enters with his queen, Lady Macbeth, and their court. They invite Banquo to their evening feast, which he accepts, mentioning his afternoon horseback ride. Macbeth expresses his concerns about Malcolm and Donalbain, who have fled Scotland and possibly pose a threat to his reign. Upon Banquo's exit, Macbeth dismisses his court and remains with only a servant. He inquires about some men who have come to see him. After the servant leaves, he candidly expresses his fear of Banquo, the only man in Scotland he thinks could threaten him. He contemplates the witches' prophecy, fearing his reign may be transitory and his actions may have paved the way for Banquo's lineage to take over. When the servant returns with the two visitors, Macbeth reminds them of their past grievances against Banquo and questions their readiness for revenge. They assure Macbeth of their intent to kill Banquo, pleasing Macbeth who insists that Banquo's son Fleance must also be executed. He instructs them to await his command within the castle.
act 3 scene 2
Elsewhere within the fortress, Lady Macbeth finds herself in a state of desperation and sends a servant to summon her spouse. Upon his arrival, Macbeth admits to his wife his feelings of dissatisfaction, remarking that his thoughts are "full of scorpions" (3.2.37). He believes that their scheme, inaugurated by Duncan's murder, is still incomplete as there are impending threats to his kingship that need to be obliterated. Macbeth reveals to his wife his intention to execute a "dreadful deed" involving Banquo and Fleance. He instructs her to portray a friendly and cheerful demeanor towards Banquo at the evening's banquet to instill a false sense of safety in their forthcoming target (3.2.45).
act 3 scene 3
As darkness falls, an open park near the royal residence becomes the meeting place for the trio of killers. Banquo, accompanied by his son Fleance, arrives on horseback. They disengage from their horses, igniting a torch. Suddenly, they are ambushed by the murderers. Banquo's life is tragically cut short by them, but not before he exhorts his son to escape and exact revenge for his untimely death. At this point, the torch is doused by one of the killers, plunging the scene into utter darkness allowing Fleance to slip away. With Banquo's lifeless body in their possession, the murderers depart to update Macbeth on the outcome of their deadly mission.
act 3 scene 4
A lavish feast is prepared on stage. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth emerge as the new king and queen, accompanied by their court. While mingling with the attendees, Macbeth encounters the first murderer at the entrance, whom he speaks with briefly. He discovers that Banquo has been murdered while Fleance has managed to escape. Macbeth is frustrated by Fleance's survival, as his death would have consolidated Macbeth's reign. Upon returning to the feast, Macbeth attempts to take his place at the head of the table only to find the ghost of Banquo occupying his seat. Overcome with dread, Macbeth addresses the ghost, unseen to others. Lady Macbeth covers for her husband's erratic reactions, attributing it to sporadic visions. She urges the attendees to ignore his conduct, then privately chides Macbeth to regain his composure. Banquo's apparition vanishes momentarily, and Macbeth regains his senses, attributing his strange behavior to a harmless condition. As he proposes a toast, the ghost reappears, provoking Macbeth to further fits of madness. Again, Lady Macbeth attempts to manage the situation, dismissing the startled guests as the specter fades away. Macbeth, disturbed, states that "blood will have blood" and reveals to Lady Macbeth that Macduff seems to be distancing himself from the court, which could be construed as treason. He expresses his intention to consult the witches the following day to glean more insights about his future and potential threats to his kingship. Macbeth is resolute in maintaining his throne, stating that he has ventured too far into his bloody deeds to turn back now. Lady Macbeth suggests he needs rest, and they depart for their chambers.
act 3 scene 5
In a tempestuous moor, the witches encounter Hecate, the deity of sorcery. Hecate reprimands them for interfering in Macbeth's affairs without seeking her guidance, but announces that she will henceforth oversee the ensuing chaos. She instructs them to conjure visions and apparitions when Macbeth arrives, as they anticipate, that will instill in him a fraudulent sense of safety and entice him into his own ruin. With Hecate's disappearance, the witches depart to ready their enchantments.
act 3 scene 6
In the darkness of Scottish night, a conversation transpires between Lennox and an unnamed lord, as they ponder over the tumultuous state of their kingdom. The official narrative suggests that Banquo's death is the handiwork of his son, Fleance, who has since disappeared. However, Lennox and the lord harbor suspicions towards Macbeth, dubbing him the "despot" responsible for the demise of both Duncan and Banquo. The lord informs Lennox of Macduff's journey to England, where he intends to unite with Malcolm and seek the assistance of King Edward. In light of this news, Macbeth readies himself for conflict. Both Lennox and the lord nurture hopes of Malcolm and Macduff's triumph, viewing their efforts as a potential path to Scotland's deliverance from Macbeth's rule.
act 4 scene 1
Within the confines of a gloomy cave, a cauldron boils and pops under the watch of the three witches. They encircle their cauldron, reciting enchantments and concocting an eerie brew with peculiar ingredients. Hecate, their leader, appears, praising their efforts. The witches sense an approaching evil, and as prophesied, Macbeth enters. He implores them to share the reality of their foretellings. To placate his curiosity, they conjure chilling visions each bearing a prophecy. First, a disembodied head warns him of danger from Macduff, a suspicion Macbeth had already harboured. Then, a blood-soaked child reassures him that no man born of a woman can harm him. A royal child clutching a tree further reassures him -- he's safe until Birnam Wood marches to Dunsinane Hill. Lastly, a parade of eight kings, the last one bearing a mirror, files past him, with Banquo's ghost trailing behind. Macbeth urgently seeks an explanation for this last vision, but the witches disappear after a frenzied dance. Lennox enters, bearing news of Macduff's escape to England. Macbeth, in response, decides to seize Macduff's castle and execute his family.
act 4 scene 2
Within the confines of Macduff's castle, Lady Macduff confronts Ross, puzzled and hurt about her husband's hasty departure. Ross implores her to believe in her husband's wisdom before he leaves with a heavy heart. Alone, Lady Macduff informs her young son about his father's supposed death, a notion the insightful child rejects. Abruptly, a courier rushes in to warn Lady Macduff of imminent danger and urges her escape. She objects, proclaiming her innocence. However, a gang of assassins appear. As one of them condemns Macduff, his son defiantly labels the assassin a liar and is fatally wounded. In horror, Lady Macduff flees, the murderers hot on her heels.
act 4 scene 3
Near King Edward’s royal residence, Malcolm converses with Macduff, expressing his suspicions about Macduff’s loyalty. He doubts Macduff’s intentions as he left his family in Scotland and could be a secret ally of Macbeth. To test Macduff’s trustworthiness, Malcolm fabricates tales of his own wrongdoings, wondering aloud if such faults make him unfit to rule. Initially, Macduff respectfully challenges Malcolm’s self-critique but eventually he mournfully cries out for his homeland. Macduff's devotion to Scotland leads him to concur with Malcolm’s self-assessment, suggesting Malcolm is inadequate to rule and possibly unfit to live. By expressing these sentiments, Macduff unwittingly passes Malcolm's loyalty test. Malcolm then revokes his previously claimed flaws and accepts Macduff as a partner. A doctor arrives briefly mentioning a group of sickly individuals awaiting King Edward for healing. After the doctor's departure, Malcolm reveals to Macduff that King Edward possesses a remarkable healing ability. Ross enters the scene, having recently returned from Scotland. He informs Macduff that his family is well, while pleading with Malcolm to reclaim his homeland and details the troubles that have plagued Scotland since Macbeth's ascension. Malcolm reveals his plan to return with an army of ten thousand, granted by the English king. Overcome with emotion, Ross admits to Macduff that his family has been slaughtered by Macbeth, leaving Macduff devastated. Malcolm encourages Macduff to channel his sorrow into rage, and Macduff vows to exact vengeance on Macbeth.
act 5 scene 1
During an evening at the royal Dunsinane castle, a physician and a lady-in-waiting examine Lady Macbeth's peculiar sleepwalking episodes. Unexpectedly, Lady Macbeth ambles in, seemingly entranced, clutching a candle. She mourns over the killings of Lady Macduff and Banquo, hallucinating the presence of blood on her hands and asserting that no amount of cleansing will remove it. After her departure, the physician and the lady-in-waiting express astonishment at her spiraling insanity.
act 5 scene 2
In a setting outside the fortress, Scottish nobles converse about the impending conflict. Malcolm is leading the English forces, and they are expected to rendezvous with the Scottish troops near Birnam Wood, suggesting a potential alliance. Macbeth, referred to as the "despot" by Lennox and fellow lords, has reinforced his stronghold at Dunsinane Castle. Seemingly overcome by frenzy, he is in the midst of strategic battle preparations.
act 5 scene 3
Macbeth, in the company of a doctor and his servants, confidently roams the halls of Dunsinane. He is certain of his invincibility against the English forces and Malcolm due to prophecies stating that no man born of a woman can harm him, and that he will remain in power until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane. His servant Seyton delivers the news of an approaching army of ten thousand English soldiers, prompting Macbeth to don his armor prematurely. The doctor reveals Lady Macbeth’s troubled state, plagued by incessant visions, to which Macbeth demands a cure for her hallucinations.
act 5 scene 4
Near Birnam Wood, Malcolm holds a discussion with the English nobleman Siward and his commanders regarding Macbeth's defensive strategy for his fortified stronghold. They determine that each warrior should hew a branch from the forest and use it as a shield while advancing towards the fortress, effectively concealing their troop size.
act 5 scene 5
Inside the fortress, Macbeth conceitedly instructs for flags to be displayed, proudly claiming that his stronghold will fend off the invaders. The scream of a woman echoes in the air, and Seyton arrives to inform Macbeth of the queen's demise. Macbeth, taken aback, reflects on the fleeting nature of time and proclaims life to be "a story / Narrated by a fool, filled with noise and rage, / Meaning nothing" (5.5.25-27). A courier arrives bearing startling news: Birnam Wood's trees are marching towards Dunsinane. Both furious and horrified, Macbeth is reminded of the prophecy that foretold he wouldn't perish until Birnam Wood moved to Dunsinane. With a sense of resignation, he expresses his weariness of the sun and resolves to meet his end in battle.
act 5 scene 6
The fight begins outside the fortress, with Malcolm directing the English troops to discard their branches and unsheathe their weapons.
act 5 scene 7
During the heat of battle, Macbeth fights fiercely, emboldened by the prophecy that he cannot be harmed by any man born of a woman. He kills the son of Lord Siward and then vanishes amidst the turmoil. Macduff appears, frantically scouring the disorderly scene for Macbeth. Fueled by a personal vendetta, he is desperate to end Macbeth's life himself and plunges back into the conflict. Subsequently, Malcolm and Siward appear and advance into the fortress.
act 5 scene 8
On the battlefield, Macbeth finally faces Macduff. As they engage in combat, Macbeth asserts his invincibility, citing the witches' prophecy. However, Macduff reveals his unique birth, having been extracted prematurely from his mother's womb. Macbeth is suddenly fearful, yet he announces his refusal to bow down before the young Malcolm or endure the scorn of the masses. Their duel continues offstage. Inside the castle, now under their control, Malcolm and Siward converse. Ross informs Siward of his son's demise. Macduff soon appears, holding Macbeth's severed head, and hails Malcolm as Scotland's king. Malcolm announces his plan to elevate his thanes to earls, marking the first instance of such titles in Scotland. Condemning Macbeth and his malevolent queen, Malcolm welcomes his supporters as friends and extends an invitation to witness his crowning ceremony at Scone.
