Macbeth: Act 5 – Summary Page
Macbeth: Act 5 – In Short
Meanwhile, Lady Macbeth mourns their crime and unconsciously confesses the crimes committed by them. She is seen walking in her sleep. She behaves madly and washes imaginary blood from her hands. Her doctor fails to give a remedy.
The Scottish nobles who are horrified by Macbeth’s cruel and murderous behavior plan to support the attack of the English army.
The English army encamps in the Birnam wood. The soldiers are instructed to cut the branches of the trees of the Birnam wood and to carry them towards the Dunsinane castle. Macbeth is informed that Lady Macbeth kills herself because of her pessimistic despair.
Macbeth finally feels afraid because he learns that the English army is coming to capture Dunsinane castle with the branches of the trees of the Birnam wood. Macbeth thinks that half of the witches’ prophecy is going to fulfill.
The English army captures Dunsinane castle and overwhelms Macbeth’s army. Besides that, Macduff announces that he is not “born” but “from his mother’s womb untimely ripp’d”. Macbeth realizes that he has been deceived. But he still decides to fight. Finally, Macduff kills Macbeth and beheads him.
Prince Malcom becomes the king of Scotland and he announces his generous thoughts for the welfare of his country. He also invites all to see him crowned at Scone.
Scene-wise Summary & Analysis
Questions & Answers on Act 5
Portions of this article were developed with the assistance of AI tools and have been carefully reviewed, verified and edited by Jayanta Kumar Maity, M.A. in English, Editor & Co-Founder of Englicist.
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