14th May 2018

Macbeth – Act 5, Scene 5

Act 5, Scene 5 Summary

Location: Dunsinane, within the castle
Characters: Macbeth, Seyton, and soldiers
Events: Macbeth brags that his castle can withstand any siege without doubt. Suddenly, a woman’s cry is heard. Seyton exits to investigate and soon comes back with dreadful news. Macbeth expresses his fear before Seyton announces the Queen is dead. He reflects on how poor his life is and is further now determined to fight to the last. A messenger reports that the Birnim wood appears to be moving, signalling the arrival of the opposing army. Macbeth holds suspision that the Witches predictions may be fake, and they tricked him.
Quote/s: “The queen, my lord, is dead.” -Seyton
“Ring the alarum bell! – Blow, wind! come, wrack!
At least we’ll die with harness on our back”
-Macbeth