Brief overview

• The play "Macbeth" begins with the theme of appearance versus reality, where fair is foul and foul is fair
• Macbeth is a hero in Scotland, defeating rebels and the Norwegian army, leading to King Duncan rewarding him by making him the Thane of Cawdor
• The three witches meet Macbeth and tell him he will be the king in the future, leading to Macbeth considering murder to fulfill the prophecy
• Lady Macbeth calls on evil spirits to help her murder King Duncan, instructing Macbeth to deceive everyone and commit the murder
• Macbeth hesitates about murdering Duncan due to the consequences, but Lady Macbeth convinces him by planning to blame the murder on the guards
• Macbeth sees an imaginary dagger before committing the murder, and both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are consumed by guilt afterwards
• Macbeth kills the guards, Duncan's sons flee Scotland, and nature reflects the disorder in Scotland with storms reported
• Macbeth orders the murder of Banquo and his son Fleance due to the threat they pose to his position as king
• Macbeth sees the ghost of Banquo at a feast, leading to his increasing anxiety about his security as king
• Macbeth seeks reassurance from the witches about his future, leading to new prophecies that make him feel safe but ultimately lead to his destruction
• Macbeth learns of the prophecies regarding Macduff and Banquo's descendants, making him more insecure and paranoid
• Lady Macduff and her son are murdered as a punishment for Macduff's disloyalty, leading to Macduff seeking revenge against Macbeth
• Macbeth's power starts to wane as Malcolm and Macduff prepare to attack Dunsinane Castle, leading to Macbeth's eventual defeat and death
• Macbeth is killed by Macduff, restoring the natural order with Malcolm being hailed as king