Act 5, Scene 1Characters: A Gentlewoman, Doctor, Lady MacbethSetting: Night time inside the king’s palace at Dunsinane

Lady Macbeth has been driven mad by the guilt of murderingDuncan, and by the deaths of Banquo and Lady Macduff.She sleepwalks nightly, talking to herself and trying relentlessly

to wash the blood off of her hands. (Note the contrast to her commentto Macbeth in Act 2 that “a little water clears us of this deed.)This scene shows the doctor and and nurse secretly watchingLady Macbeth and listening to her night terrors.

“Out damned spot! Out, I say!”

Act 5, Scene 2

Characters: Menteith, Caithness, Angus, LennoxSetting: The country near Dunsinane

•This is a short scene during which a group of Scottish Thanes is on its way to Birnam Wood to unite with Malcolm and the English forces. Pay attention to where the Thanes are gathering (Birnam Wood) and where Macbeth is staying (Dunsinane).•As the Thanes discuss Macbeth’s descent into madness, they seem sad on his behalf rather than angry, as if they have lost a good friend, which they have.

Act 5, Scene 3•Characters: Macbeth, Servant, Seyton, Doctor•Setting: A room in the castle a Dunsinane•In this scene, Macbeth has worked himself into a frenzied state. A servant enters to tell him that 10 thousand soldiers are gathering to fight against him. He alternates between allowing himself to feel fear momentarily and reminding

himself of the witches prophecies. -He insults his servant and the approaching soldiers. -At the same time, he questions the doctor about Lady Macbeth’s health, asking the doctor if it is not possible “to remove those thoughts and feelings that weigh upon the heart.”

Act 5, Scene 4Characters: Malcolm, Old Siward and son (Old Siward is a Highly respected general of the English forces), Menteith, Caithness, Lennox, Macduff, Ross, soldiersSetting: approaching Birnam Wood

•The English forces have united with the Scottish forces as they march toward Macbeth’s stronghold at Dunsinane.•Here begins a series of short scenes that cut back and forthbetween the approaching armies and Macbeth’s castle, This hasthe effect of quickly moving the story forward and building increasing tension.•Malcom orders every soldier to cut and carry a branch in order to disguise their number.•Malcolm also says “I hope the days arenear at hand that chambers willbe safe.” This refers to Dunacan’s murderand further addrresses the theme of sleep.

Act 5, Scene 5Characters: Macbeth, Seyton, Messenger, SoldiersSetting: In the castle at Dunsinane

-This scene contains one of the greatest soliloquies in all ofShakespeare’s works.-As Macbeth prepares for war, he learns that his wife has died. -He reacts as if he expected such

“Life is but a walking shadow” news and is in fact anticipatinghis own death. He gives a deeply pessimistic and beautiful speech about the meaning of life.-At this point, he also learns that Birnam Wood seems to be moving toward Dunsinane.-He is now ready to throw himself into battle.

Act 5, Scene 6Characters: Malcom, Old Siward and Macduff, leading their forces, carrying boughs.Setting: Just outside the castle at Dunsinane

As they prepare to storm the castle, Malcolm orders the attack to proceed in an orderly manner, with Old Siward takingthe lead, following by the Scottish troops in order of rank.This contrasts to the disorder in Macbeth’s castle.At this point, Macduff is feeling the full rage of his vengefulthoughts against Macbeth.

Act 5, Scene 7Act 5, Scene 7 Characters: Macbeth, Young Siward, Macduff, Old SiwardCharacters: Macbeth, Young Siward, Macduff, Old Siward Setting: Outside of the castleSetting: Outside of the castle Macbeth comes out of the castleMacbeth comes out of the castle

to meet the troops head on.to meet the troops head on. He slays Young Siward and exits.He slays Young Siward and exits. Macduff enters and exits quickly,Macduff enters and exits quickly,

searching for Macbeth.searching for Macbeth. Malcolm and Old Siward enter Malcolm and Old Siward enter

talking about how Macbeth’s talking about how Macbeth’s

forces are barely putting up a fight.forces are barely putting up a fight. Malcom and Siward enter the castle.Malcom and Siward enter the castle.

Act 5, Scene 8Act 5, Scene 8 Characters: Macbeth, Macduff, Malcolm, Characters: Macbeth, Macduff, Malcolm,

Siward, RossSiward, Ross On the battlefield, Macduff and MacbethOn the battlefield, Macduff and Macbeth

finally meet. Macbeth boasts that He in finally meet. Macbeth boasts that He in

invulnerable to anyone of woman borninvulnerable to anyone of woman born Macduff reveals that he is not born ofMacduff reveals that he is not born of

woman but was “from his mother’s wombwoman but was “from his mother’s womb

untimely ripped.”untimely ripped.” Macduff beheads Macbeth!Macduff beheads Macbeth! Malcolm invites everyone to Scone to Malcolm invites everyone to Scone to

watch him be invested as king and he promises to give watch him be invested as king and he promises to give all of this Thanes the title of Earl. all of this Thanes the title of Earl.

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