The witches gather and talk about meeting Macbeth somewhere. In Scotland, news on Macbeth’s
and Banquo’s superiority in war is reported to King Duncan. The news enlivens the king who orders for the execution of the “Thane of Cawdor” whose title be awarded to Macbeth afterwards. On the other hand, Macbeth and Banquo cross path with the witches whose greetings startle both. Macbeth is addressed “Thane of Glamis,” “Thane of Cawdor,” and “King hereafter” whereas Banquo is guaranteed to be father to kings. Macbeth attempts to inquire on the matter but the witches vanish. Then, Ross and Angus appear informing Macbeth of the title bestowed by the king to the latter. That confirms the first prophecy by the witches. Left alone, Macbeth thinks of the second prophecy’s probability considering that Duncan is still king. Duncan and Banquo are offered thanksgiving by the king and on that same occasion Malcolm the king’s eldest son is pronounced his successor. The declaration strengthens Macbeth’s desire of killing Duncan for his ambition of becoming king as prophesied by the witches. Macbeth then sends a letter to his wife telling her of the witches’ prophecy and of Duncan’s visit to their place. Learning the matter, Lady Macbeth implores the help of the unseen beings to empower her so that the plan of killing Duncan be done and that Macbeth’s ambition be achieved. As Macbeth arrives at Inverness he and his wife conspire for the king’s execution. Banquo despite his being bothered by the witches’ words – being father to kings, still accompanies Duncan to Macbeth’s place. Lady Macbeth warmly acknowledges the king whereas Macbeth finds it difficult to pretend to be cordial to the king. The night comes and the evil plan is accomplished. Seeing the bloody corpse, Macbeth feels terrified that he forgets to leave the daggers used in killing the king behind. Lady Macbeth upon seeing her husband takes the daggers away and brings them to the room where the drunk servants are laid. Everything goes as planned. The following day Macduff arrives and desperately announces Duncan’s murder as soon as he discovers it. Macbeth pretending to be innocent of the crime goes with Lennox to find out the truth. The servants who are found smeared with blood and armed with daggers are accused of killing Duncan. When Macbeth is interrogated of the crime his wife pretends to be needing help, thus, the attention shifts to her. Duncan’s sons flee to different places so as to avoid the accountability of their father’s death. Assumptions on the sons’ involvement to the killing of their own father follow as the affirmation of Macbeth’s coronation as Duncan’s successor is made. Banquo knowing Macbeth’s destiny as said by the witches suspects that Macbeth is the murderer but his suspicion is not proven because he himself is murdered by his very own friend even before he can speak of it. This is done due to Macbeth’s fear of Banquo’s sons whom Macbeth foresees to be the kingdom’s inheritors rather than his very own sons. More deaths of both Macbeth’s friends and foes follow, tragic events, which alarm other rulers and Lennox. Macduff realizing such flees to England to seek help for the purpose of overthrowing Macbeth, who at that time is seeking the witches’ advice on keeping his kingship secure. Contrary to his request he is shown three apparitions which warn him about Macduff’s intervention with his desires. An assurance that he will not be overthrown unless Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane is given though. Consequently, Macbeth order for the killing of Macduff’s family. These events imply how an ambition impact on a person. Macbeth did not hesitate committing sin for him to achieve what he considered the best in life, wealth, power and fame, the same things that deprived him of sleep, friends and peace of mind. As presented in the play, the moment Macbeth killed Duncan his conscience has started to haunt him and this was rather intensified when he had his friend, Banquo killed. He lost happiness and peace without realizing it. This proves how ambition may drive the person to greed and sin should the latter lacks the capacity to harness the former.
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