🎭 Structure of Macbeth:
- 5 Acts in total
- 28 Scenes overall
📘 Breakdown by Act:
|
Act |
Number of Scenes |
|
Act 1 |
7 scenes |
|
Act 2 |
4 scenes |
|
Act 3 |
6 scenes |
|
Act 4 |
3 scenes |
|
Act 5 |
8 scenes |
✅ Summary:
- Total Acts: 5
- Total Scenes: 28
- No chapters — the story flows through acts and scenes with stage directions and dialogue.
simple summary of each act and scene in Macbeth,
🎭 Act 1: Setting the Stage (7 scenes)
Scene 1:
- The Three Witches meet in a storm and plan to meet Macbeth after the battle.
- Mood: Dark and mysterious.
- Key line: “Fair is foul, and foul is fair.”
Scene 2:
- A soldier reports Macbeth’s bravery in battle.
- King Duncan rewards Macbeth with the title Thane of Cawdor.
Scene 3:
- The witches meet Macbeth and Banquo.
- They predict: Macbeth will be king, and Banquo’s children will be kings.
- Macbeth is curious and troubled.
Scene 4:
- King Duncan names Malcolm his heir (Prince of Cumberland).
- Macbeth sees Malcolm as a threat to the throne.
Scene 5:
- Lady Macbeth reads Macbeth’s letter and decides to help him take the crown.
- She prays to be “unsexed” (to become more cruel).
Scene 6:
- Duncan arrives at Macbeth’s castle.
- Lady Macbeth warmly welcomes him, hiding her evil plan.
Scene 7:
- Macbeth has doubts about killing Duncan.
- Lady Macbeth manipulates him and convinces him to do it.