The Shakespeare Book

269

of the king’s blood, a knocking is
heard at the gate. The porter ushers
in Macduff, who finds the king’s
body and raises the alarm. Macbeth
murders the guards in case they
wake. On hearing of their father’s
murder, the king’s sons, Malcolm
and Donalbain, leave for England.
Macbeth becomes king, although
Banquo harbors secret fears that he
murdered King Duncan. Fearing
Banquo’s suspicions, Macbeth
arranges his murder, but Banquo’s
son Fleance escapes the killers.
Macbeth is terrified when Banquo’s
ghost appears at a banquet he

holds that evening. Lady Macbeth

tries to distract their dinner guests

from her husband’s strange

behavior, especially when he

addresses an empty chair.

Macbeth returns to find the

witches and is told that his throne

is secure until Birnam Wood

marches toward Dunsinane. He

feels further reassured when told

that he cannot be killed by anyone

born of woman. On hearing that

Macduff has traveled to England

to persuade Malcolm to lead a rebel

army, Macbeth orders the murder of

Macduff’s wife and children. This

THE KING’S MAN

Act 3 Act 4 Act 5

terrible news reaches Macduff

in England and strengthens his

resolve to be revenged.

Lady Macbeth’s guilt for

Duncan’s death leaks out when she

is heard speaking of the murder in

her sleep. While Macbeth believes

that he can see a forest walking

toward his castle, he hears that

his wife has died. The moving

wood is in fact an army carrying

the branches of trees. In the battle

that ensues, Macduff reveals that

he was ripped from his mother’s

womb; the prophecy is complete,

and Macbeth is killed. ❯❯

3.1

3.3 4.1 4.3

3.4 4.2 5.5

Macbeth is made king.

Macbeth hears

more predictions

from the witches,

including that

Banquo’s

descendants shall

reign after him.

Macduff persuades

Malcolm to lead an

army against Macbeth.

Banquo’s ghost

appears at Macbeth’s

banquet.

Macbeth orders the

murder of Macduff’s

wife and children.

Lady Macbeth dies.

Macbeth hears that

Birnam Wood

appears to be

moving toward

his castle.

5.10–11

Macduff kills

Macbeth—the

prophesy is

complete. Malcolm

becomes king.

Macbeth has Banquo

murdered.