Macbeth GIUSEPPE VERDI
The Story ct I While traversing a forest after a bloody battle, Macbeth and Banquo encounter a group of witches who give them three unsolicited prophesies. They declare that Macbeth will become the Thane of Cawdor and the King of Scotland, and Banquo, though he will never reign as king, will be happier than Macbeth and will father future kings. Just then, one of King Duncan’s messengers announces that the Thane of Cawdor has been killed and he has bestowed the title on Macbeth. One of the witches’ prophesies has already come true! Banquo and Macbeth wonder about the others.
A
murder. Malcolm, King Duncan’s son, flees to England in fear for his life. Act II As the Macbeths have no children, they are tormented by the prophesy that Banquo will be the father of future kings. Macbeth hires assassins to kill Banquo and his son Fleance. Banquo is ambushed and killed, but Fleance escapes. That evening, a feast is prepared in honor of the new king, Macbeth. During the feast, Macbeth is haunted by Banquo’s ghost. Attempting to distract the guests from Macbeth’s crazed actions, Lady Macbeth offers a toast. Macbeth resolves to visit the witches again. Act III In a dark cave, the witches recite incantations before a bubbling caldron. Macbeth arrives and the witches offer three more prophesies in the form of apparitions that rise
Lady Macbeth reads a letter from her husband explaining the witches’ prophesies. She decides that in order to make the second prophesy come true, Macbeth must murder the king. Just then, it is announced that King Duncan is traveling through Scotland and has requested to spend the night at Macbeth’s castle. That night, Macbeth assassinates him. Lady Macbeth The Characters hides the evidence, and, in Macbeth (baritone) - General in the King’s Army the morning, Macduff Lady Macbeth (soprano) - Wife of Macbeth and Banquo discover the Banquo (bass) - General in the King’s Army Macduff (tenor) - Thane of Fife Malcolm (tenor) - King Duncan’s son Duncan (silent) - King of Scotland Fleance (silent) - Banquo’s son Witches (chorus)
A STUDENT GUIDE
from the cauldron. First, he must beware of Macduff. Second, no man born from a woman can harm him. Third, he will rule without fear until the forest of Birnam comes to his castle. Then, eight apparitions of kings file past, all of whom are Banquo’s descendants. Macbeth tries to attack them, but faints. Act IV Macbeth orders that Macduff and his family be murdered. In England with Malcolm, Macduff learns of the bloody massacre of his wife and children and realizes he is also a target. Both Macduff and Malcolm plot revenge against Macbeth. Meanwhile, a doctor and servants watch over Lady Macbeth who is delirious and walking in her sleep. She is unable to cope with the guilt that plagues her. The news of her eventual death reaches Macbeth as he prepares for battle. Macduff ’s army advances disguised as trees and Macbeth receives news that the forest of Birnam approaches. Macduff and Macbeth face off. Macbeth is confident, remembering the second prophesy, until Macduff reveals that he was born by caesarean (not naturally from a woman’s womb) and slays Macbeth. Malcolm is crowned king.