summary of how the key themes in Act 5 of Macbeth

1. Guilt and Madness

Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking and desperate hand-washing reveal how guilt has destroyed her mind.
Her mental breakdown shows the psychological consequences of their crimes.
Guilt haunts her until death.

2. Justice and Retribution

The rebellion led by Malcolm and Macduff represents justice fighting against Macbeth’s tyranny.
Macbeth’s death at Macduff’s hands delivers rightful punishment for his murders.
Order is restored to Scotland.

3. Fate and Prophecy

The witches’ prophecies come true as Birnam Wood appears to move and Macduff defeats Macbeth.
Macbeth’s belief in his invincibility is shattered by the true meaning of the witches’ words.
Fate unfolds despite Macbeth’s attempts to control it.

4. Mortality and Meaninglessness

Macbeth’s soliloquy (“Tomorrow, and tomorrow…”) expresses his despair and view of life as meaningless.
He feels life is fleeting and without purpose due to his downfall.
This theme highlights the tragic nature of human existence.

5. Hope and Restoration

Malcolm’s rise to the throne signals hope for Scotland’s future.
The defeat of Macbeth ends tyranny and chaos.
Peace and rightful leadership return.

6. Pride and Defiance

Macbeth refuses to surrender despite facing certain defeat.
His pride drives him to fight until the end, showing his stubbornness.
However, this pride leads to his downfall.