11th May 2018

Macbeth – Act 5, Scene 3

Act 5, Scene 3 Summary

Location:
Dunsinane, a room in the castle
Characters: Macbeth, Doctor, Seyton, Servant, and attendants
Events: A servant delivers news of an approaching army, to Macbeth. He tries to comfort himself with the Witches prediction. Macbeth realises it is not possible for him to live a well-respected and relaxed life in his old-age. As a King, he will always be subject to challenges. The doctor reports of Lady Macbeth’s illness, and briefly says how her worries are keeping her from sleeping. Macbeth puts on his armour. The Doctor wishes he was far away from Dunsinane.
Quote: “I have lived long enoough: my way of life
Is fall’n into the sere, the yellow leaf:
And that which should accompany old age,
As honour, love, obedience, troops of friends,
I must not look to have; but, in their stead,
Curses, not loud but deep, mouth-honour, breath,
Which the poor heart would fain deny, and dare not.
Seyton!”
-Macbeth