Macbeth by William Shakespeare Read Free Book Online Page A

until Birnam Wood comes against him at Dunsinane Hill. Reassured, Macbeth declares “That will never be” and that he will “live the lease of nature,” returning once more to his preoccupation with time. He then asks the sisters if Banquo’s “issue” will ever reign, but they refuse to tell him. Confident in his power, Macbeth declares “I will be satisfied” and commands them to answer. In response, the sisters conjure an image of a line of eight kings, all descendants of a “blood-boltered” Banquo, who smiles at Macbeth. Macbeth is left astounded as the three weyard sisters vanish.
    Lines 144–169: Macbeth calls Lennox and demands to know if he saw the sisters. Lennox says that he did not and tells Macbeth that messengers have arrived with news of Macduff’s flight to England. Macbeth’s final aside reveals a sharp contrast to his indecision in Act 1 Scene 7, as he talks of how he will “crown” his “thoughts with acts,” “surprise” Macduff’s castle, and kill his wife and children.
Act 4 Scene 2
    Lady Macduff questions Ross about her husband’s flight to England, claiming that it was “madness” and that he cannot love her or “his babes” if he has left them in danger. Ross defends Macduff, but cannot stay. Lady Macduff tells her son that his father is dead and cynically responds to his claims that he is not by calling Macduff “a traitor” because he “swears and lies.” As they argue, a Messenger brings news of impending danger and urges her to run with her “little ones.” Lady Macduff asserts that she has “done no harm,” but acknowledges that this is a “womanly defence.” The Murderers enter and demand to know Macduff’s whereabouts, accusing him of treachery. His son denies this and is killed. Lady Macduff flees, pursued by the Murderers.
Act 4 Scene 3
    Lines 1–154: In England, Malcolm does not trust Macduff, suspecting that he may have been sent by the tyrant Macbeth, particularlysince he has left his family behind. Macduff denies this, but Malcolm tests him by claiming that he is unfit to be king, describing his own vices. At first, Macduff politely denies this, but then breaks down and despairs for his country’s future, saying that Malcolm is unfit to live or rule. Malcolm reveals that it was a test and that he now believes in Macduff’s “good truth and honour,” reassuring him that he has none of the vices he claimed earlier.
    Lines 155–275: A doctor says that “a crew of wretched souls” is waiting for the English king to cure them and Malcolm explains to Macduff that the king can cure scrofula. His description of this, using terms such as “holy,” “healing,” “virtue,” and “grace,” contrasts with the evil and destruction associated with Macbeth’s tyrannical kingship. Ross arrives and reports Scotland’s suffering. Macduff asks for news of his family and Ross lies that they are “well.” He urges Malcolm to return to Scotland and Malcolm says that he intends to do so, with support from “Gracious England.” Ross breaks down and reveals the truth about Macduff’s family. Macduff is distraught. When Malcolm urges him to “Dispute it like a man,” Macduff says that he will do so, but that he must also “feel it as a man,” presenting a more emotional perception of masculinity than that held by the Macbeths.
Act 5 Scene 1
    A Doctor and a Gentlewoman wait for evidence of Lady Macbeth’s recent sleepwalking. The Gentlewoman describes how Lady Macbeth rises while still asleep, writes, and then conceals what she has written, but she refuses to repeat what is said during these episodes. Lady Macbeth enters, rubbing her hands as though she is washing them. Her speeches reveal her guilty conscience about the deaths of Duncan, Lady Macduff, and Banquo as she complains that “the smell of blood” is still on her hands. The repetitive and disjointed nature of her speech reflects her state of mind and contrasts sharply with her previous cool