Macbeth Act 5 Scene Summaries & Key Quote analysis

ACT 5 SCENE SUMMARIES

ACT V SCENE I

In Macbeth’s castle a doctor and a gentlewoman discuss Lady Macbeth

The gentle woman refuses to listen to what Lady Macbeth has said in her sleep since she has no witness to back Macbeth’s statements

As the doctor attempts to persuade her, Lady Macbeth appears walking in her sleep

They both hear her reveal her guilt and watch her attempt to remove the blood off her hand

The doctor conclude she is need of spiritual help rather than medical

ACT V SCENE II

Introduced to the rebel Scottish powers who are determined to join ‘ the English power’ at Birnan to overthrow Macbeth

The thanes comment on how Macbeth must feel uneasy now that his inadequacies and guilt are explained

ACT V SCENE III

Macbeth enter with the doctors and attendants

He is in a fearless mood: the prophecies give him complete confidence that he is untouchable

A servant is jeered as he reports that the English troops are arriving

Macbeth orders his armour and asks the doctor to cure his wife

He ignored the doctors medical device instead asked him what could cure the country

He scarcely listens to the doctor’s reply- he is obsessed with the prophecies, which he…