Macbeth is one of Shakespeare's most powerful tragedies, telling the story of a brave Scottish general whose encounter with supernatural prophecies awakens a deadly ambition. Set in medieval Scotland, the play explores how the pursuit of power can corrupt even the noblest of souls.
The story takes a supernatural turn when Macbeth and Banquo encounter three witches on a heath. The witches deliver prophecies that will change everything: Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and then King, while Banquo will father a line of kings though he himself will not rule. When the first prophecy is immediately fulfilled, Macbeth begins to believe in his destined greatness.
Lady Macbeth proves even more ruthless than her husband, devising the plan to murder King Duncan during his visit to their castle. She drugs the guards and convinces the reluctant Macbeth to carry out the deed. They frame the unconscious guards by planting bloody daggers on them. When Duncan's sons flee in terror, suspicion falls on them, clearing Macbeth's path to the throne.
Macbeth's reign is plagued by guilt and paranoia. Remembering the prophecy about Banquo's descendants becoming kings, he hires murderers to kill Banquo and his son Fleance. Though Banquo dies, Fleance escapes. At a royal banquet, Macbeth is tormented by Banquo's ghost, revealing his disturbed mental state. Meanwhile, Lady Macbeth succumbs to madness, obsessively trying to wash imaginary bloodstains from her hands before ultimately taking her own life.
The witches give Macbeth new prophecies that make him feel invincible, but they prove deceptive. Malcolm and Macduff's army approaches disguised with branches from Birnam Wood, and Macduff, who was born by Caesarean section, kills Macbeth in battle. Malcolm becomes king, restoring order to Scotland. Macbeth stands as Shakespeare's powerful warning about how ambition without moral restraint leads to destruction, exploring themes of guilt, fate, and the corrupting nature of power.