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Act 1 Scene 1

• The scene is set on a battlefield amid thunder and lightning, employing pathetic fallacy.
• The weather mirrors the play's mood and foreshadows future events.
• The play starts with a battle.
• The witches use literary devices and rhyme when speaking, resembling a spell.
• They can also foretell the future.
• The third witch mentions "there to meet with Macbeth," this is the first time Macbeth's name is spoken.
• The witches say, "Fair is foul, and foul is fair," showing their ability to manipulate and make bad seem good.

Act 1 Scene 2

• Duncan is the King who symbolizes order and justice.
• Malcolm is Duncan’s son and heir to the throne.
• Donalbain is also the King's son.
• Macdonald is known as a traitor and the former Thane of Cawdor.
• A captain of the army is badly wounded.
• The captain saved Malcolm during battle.
• The captain says, "For brave Macbeth-well he deserves that name," highlighting Macbeth's honor and bravery.
• Macbeth is a brutal fighter.
• The Scots ultimately win the war, but it is very brutal.

Act 1 Scene 3

• Duncan wants the former Thane of Cawdor, Macdonald, killed.
• Duncan decides to give Macbeth the title of Thane of Cawdor.
• This is ironic given that Macbeth will soon become a traitor.
• A first witch says, “I'll drain him dry as hay: Sleep shall neither night nor day Hang upon his penthouse lid; He shall live a man forbid.”
• The witches do not want to kill the sailor, but they want him to suffer.
• The witches plan to make Macbeth suffer, so he will not sleep nor rest and will have no peace.
• The witches cast a spell to curse Macbeth.
• Macbeth's first words, "so foul and fair a day I have not seen,” echo the witches, showing he is already succumbing to his evil temptations.
• Macbeth is shocked that the witches know his thoughts.
• The witches call Macbeth Thane of Glamis (his current title), Thane of Cawdor (his new title), and King (a prophecy).
• This awakens Macbeth's ambition, leaving him confused and causing him to overthink.
• Ross and Angus are two noblemen.
• Ross refers to Macdonald as "that most disloyal traitor The Thane of Cawdor."
• Banquo asks the witches for a prediction but they answer using oxymorons.
• The prediction says Macbeth will be higher in rank than Banquo, but Banquo will have a better character and more happiness in life.
• The witches predict Banquo's children will be kings.
• Macbeth demands the witches speak, seeing himself as more powerful.
• Ross and Angus arrive to tell Macbeth that he is the Thane of Cawdor.
• Banquo notes "But 'tis strange, And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, The instruments of darkness tell us truths; win us with honest trifles, to betray's In deepest consequence."
• Banquo seems more sensible and in control than Macbeth.
• Macbeth is experiencing internal conflict as he considers whether fate or his own actions will make him king.
• He is horrified at the thought of committing murder.
• Banquo calls Macbeth "worthy Macbeth," showing dramatic irony considering what the audience knows.
• Macbeth asks Banquo to be honest if he has thoughts about the witches.
• He seems noble but his reaction to the witches shows his desire for power and weak, easily tempted mind.

Act 1 Scene 4

• Duncan states, “There's no art To find the mind's construction in the face,” revealing his poor judgment of character and easy to deceive.
• Macbeth shows some positive qualities but has been corrupted by the witches.
• Despite Banquo not getting a title, he isn't not jealous of Macbeth displaying more positive qualities.
• The Prince of Cumberland is the new title given to Malcolm, making him the heir to the throne.
• Inverness is Macbeth's castle.
• Duncan plans to dine at Inverness that evening.
• Macbeth refers to "my wife” (Lady Macbeth) and wishes to share the news with her immediately.
• Macbeth sees the Prince of Cumberland as an obstacle to the crown.
• Macbeth desires more darkness and asks for evil, as he does not want anyone to see his desire for murder (Stars hide your fires, Let not light see my black and deep desires).
• Duncan calls Macbeth his “peerless kinsman,” highlighting their positive relationship.

Act 1 Scene 5

• Lady Macbeth reads the letter from Macbeth about the news.
• Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have a strong relationship built on trust.
• Lady Macbeth believes Macbeth is ambitious but too kind to take the necessary steps.
• She is not afraid of murder and is power-hungry.
• Lady Macbeth hopes to manipulate Macbeth once she hears the witches' prophecies.
• Lady Macbeth learns that King Duncan will have dinner at her castle and decides that he will not see the following morning.
• Lady Macbeth wants to cast aside her femininity to commit evil deeds, stop feeling guilt, and remove her motherly qualities to create a hellish atmosphere.
• Lady Macbeth can read Macbeth's thoughts, which might be problematic in the future.
• She states, "look like th' innocent flower, but be the serpent under't," telling Macbeth to conceal his intentions.
• Lady Macbeth believes that it is dangerous to show emotions, since she can see what Macbeth think without conversation.

Act 1 Scene 6

• This scene is full of dramatic irony.
• Duncan's words about the castle, Lady Macbeth, and Macbeth are ironic because he will be killed there.

Act 1 Scene 7

• Verses 1-28 is Macbeth's soliloquy revealing his internal conflict, split into four concerns.
• Macbeth initially wants the murder to be quick to avoid the consequences, fearing punishment and retribution.
• Macbeth mentions his good relationship with Duncan, stating that it based on trust.
• Killing him would bring sadness to all of Scotland.
• He concludes that his only reason for murder is his ambition, knowing can cause his downfall.
• Macbeth decides not to kill Duncan because of his reputation.
• Lady Macbeth is angry, calling Macbeth a coward and questioning his manhood.
• Throughout the play, she uses this tactic when he shows signs of wavering.
• Macbeth fears retribution, but Lady Macbeth promises success if they are bold.
• Their plan involves getting the guards drunk, killing Duncan in his sleep, and blaming the guards.
• The plan is to pretend to be sad, so they will not be suspected acting the part ”look like the innocent flower and be the serpent under it".
• Macbeth agrees saying that his "false face must hide what the false heart doth know," appearance vs reality.
• Shakespeare considered murdering the king as the worst crime.
• By murdering Duncan, Macbeth gains the crown but loses respect.
• Macbeth is now a king.
• Macbeth leaves the banquet to think.
• The audience understand Macbeths temptation.
• Duncan faces not only murder but treason.
• Killing a king invites evil into the kingdom and challenges kingship.

Act 2 Scene 1

• This is the dagger scene, the climax and a point of no return for Macbeth.
• Shakespeare intensifies the night's atmosphere, contrasting Macbeth's thoughts with Banquo's integrity.
• Shakespeare restores Macbeth's struggle with his conscience, leaving the audience in suspense, anticipating danger.
• Fleance is Banquo's son and is in danger, a reminder that Macbeth might pursue more violence, spurred by the witches' prediction.
• Banquo asks for "merciful powers,” turning to God to resist evil, while Macbeth acts on evil.
• Banquo says "To you they have show'd some truth” and Macbeth replies "I think not of them," appearance vs reality is being displayed.
• Macbeth lies to Banquo telling him he has not been thinking about the witches.
• Macbeth asks for Banquo's support realizing that his prophetic knowledge makes him an ally and a threat to his plans.
• Banquo is loyal to the king.
• Macbeth declares "strike upon the bell,” signaling it is time to kill the king.
• Macbeth sees a hallucination saying “Is this a dagger which I see before me," and is losing control and spiraling downward.
• Macbeth questions, "the handle towards my hand? Come, let me clutch thee," speaking to the dagger that is not really there.
• Macbeth knows he is going insane but still has some self-control, stating "Heat oppressed brain".
• Macbeth refers to "Dudgeon gouts of blood” and sees the dagger as full of blood.
• Macbeth embraces what is about to happen because “Witchcraft celebrates”.
• Macbeth states, "Earth hear not my steps,” as he doesn't want to be heard.
• Lady Macbeth rings the bell signaling for him to commit the crime.

Act 2 Scene 2

• Macbeth doesn't want Duncan to hear the bell believing it will send him to heaven or hell as he is murdered.
• Macbeth hallucinates a dagger in the air with handle and tip pointing towards him and Duncan.
• He tries to grasp the weapon but fails.
• He now believes their is blood on the blade.
• Macbeth abruptly thinks the vision is a manifestation of his fear over the situation.
• This is the first of several guilt inspired hallucinations that him and his wife experience during these events.
• The scene uses elision, meaning that the actual occurrences are not shown.
• There is no going back for Macbeth.
• This scene highlights the contrast between Macbeth's guilt and Lady Macbeth's determination.
• Macbeth asks, "Who's there,” hearing someone.
• Lady Macbeth admits, “Had he not resembled my father as he slept, I had done’t" showing vulnerability, she is not completely heartless.
• Macbeth announces "the deed is done,” Duncan has been killed, and he is feeling guilty.
• Macbeth is now looking at the daggers in his hand but is supposed to leave them with the guards.
• Lady Macbeth thinks he is acting foolish.
• While Macbeth was killing Duncan the guards woke up and went back to sleep.

Act 2 Scene 3

• After the deed both are distraught.
• Macbeth cannot say amen while killing Duncan, because he has lost touch with good and can only think of his evil act.
• Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth that “these deeds must not be thought”, trying to calm him, foreshadowing to act 5 scene 1.
• Macbeth heard a voice cry “sleep no more Macbeth does murder sleep", echoing words from the witches, he will never have rest/peace.
• Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth to go back to where he killed Duncan to continue their plan.
• Macbeth regretting his decision, she continues being fearless.
• She is the one to finish the plan.
• With blood hands Macbeth feels the ocean cannot wash them clean, a hyperbole, he is terrified.
• Lady Macbeths hands are now also bloody. This hints to act 5 scene 1 showing even though she is acting tough now she also has guilt.
• Lady Macbeth says, “A little water clears us of this deed", showing she is trying to keep him calm.
• Lady Macbeth is trying to tell Macbeth that they need to hide their thoughts.
• This scene is the porter scene, it relaxes everything prior.
• Although the porter is a normal person he is very smart.
• The porter refers to the Macbeth House as hell with its events that have happened.
• Enter Macduff.
• When Lady Macbeth acts hearing the news of the death of Duncan, she says “What, in our house?”.
• Macbeth uses double meaning stating “Had I died an hour before this chance”.
• The nobleman are not entirely convinced, and their thoughts turn to suspecting others than the guards.
• Macbeth “That I did kill them.” meaning Duncan.
• Macduff starts to become suspicious.
• Lady Macbeth distracts away any attentions from Macbeth.

Act 2 Scene 4

• As the plans take on Macbeth becomes more clear headed and in control.
• The brothers are concerned of others knowing the truth that a family killed Duncan.
• People start to suspect them making up Macbeth story.
• Macbeth is appointed king skipping that moment and only sharing thoughts.
• Ross points out that the day should be day by "clock and night", showing a "pathetic fallacy”.
• Macduff starts to become suspicious hinting at Macbeth.

Themes and Characters

• The scene highlights the dark atmosphere in Scotland after Duncan's death.
• He is filled with guilt.
• Macduff believes Scotland has worsened.
• Macbeth has now become the king by other lords, showing them as the people who were payed by Malcolm and Donalbain.
• Macbeth seems a capable warrior with consumed courage.
• Shakesphere has incorporated two themes of ambition and guilt.
• Lady Macbeth convinces to kill Duncan.
• She always plotting to kill Duncan, she is more stronger in her decision making.
• Women can gain more power in manipulating.
• Lady Macbeth is a women manipulating husband.
• Witches are "witches sisters”.
• The witches cause temptation and their super evil.
• witches speak in rhyme, to separate.
• They are dangerous and wicked.
• Banquo is Macbeth best friend.
• He has to stay good to Duncan and doesn't want to act on evil like Macbeth.
• King Duncan shows a great quality of a kingdom.
• Shows Macbeth is a great but kind as kind can push you in places that aren't yours.
• Macbeth shows evil in the world even if he is guilty about it.
• Macbeth and Lady Macbeth both have ambitions pushing them in the downfall on their family.
• Macbeth shows guilt by halluncicating by the murder of Duncan.
• Macbeth shows that he is not completely all-blooded by him feeling guilt.
• Supernatural is show when there is "evil things"
• Due to his wicked thought he has to live with his conscience.
• There can be witches that tell the future and make thing normal.
• Macbeth says "fair is foul", his real character shows the opposite of both.
• Even when Macbeth show "loyalty" he is not telling the truth as he is planning to kill him.
• The "witches don't tell", "full truths”.