Macbeth

Table of Contents

Introduction
Plot
- The Witches’ prophecies and the murder of Duncan (Acts I–II)
- The murder of Banquo (Act III)
- “Beware Macduff” and the death of Macbeth (Acts IV–V)

References & Edit History Related Topics

Images & Videos

Macbeth, directed by Orson Welles

Duncan and Malcolm in Macbeth

Macduff in Macbeth, as portrayed by Arthur Bourchier, 1911

Alec Guinness as Macbeth

Herbert Beerbohm Tree as Macbeth

Macbeth and Banquo encounter the Three Witches, illustration by John Gilbert for an edition of Shakespeare's works, 1858–60.

Macbeth: Related Content

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Last Updated: Jul 11, 2025

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Indira Parthasarathy turns 96, wishes to complete Macbeth in Tamil • July 7, 2025, 8:48 AM ET (The Hindu)

Tamil writer Indira Parthasarathy turns 96 • July 7, 2025, 8:45 AM ET (The Hindu)

Photos and Videos

Macbeth, directed by Orson Welles

Duncan and Malcolm in Macbeth

Macduff in Macbeth, as portrayed by Arthur Bourchier, 1911

Alec Guinness as Macbeth

Herbert Beerbohm Tree as Macbeth

Macbeth and Banquo encounter the Three Witches, illustration by John Gilbert for an edition of Shakespeare's works, 1858–60.

Investigate the moral and philosophical implications of Shakespeare's tragic protagonist's murderous crimes

Watch Lady Macbeth goad Macbeth into killing Duncan in a film adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth

Listen to Shakespeare's Macbeth suffering pangs of guilt for a murder encouraged by Lady Macbeth

Watch the Weird Sisters conspire in the opening scene of William Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth

Listen to a teacher explaining the reason for Macbeth being her favorite Shakespeare play to teach

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Topics

Hamlet Romeo and Juliet Othello A Midsummer Night’s Dream King Lear Much Ado About Nothing Waiting for Godot The Tempest Twelfth Night The Merchant of Venice

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Facsimile of one of William Henry Ireland's forgeries, a primitive self-portrait of William Shakespeare(tinted engraving). Published for Samuel Ireland, Norfolk Street, Strand, December 1, 1795. (W.H. Ireland, forgery)

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