Oxford school Shakespeare: Macbeth
- Karachi; Oxford university press, 2025
- 116
Macbeth is a tragedy by William Shakespeare that explores the corrupting power of ambition and moral decay. Set in 11th-century Scotland, the play follows Macbeth, a brave Scottish general, who encounters three witches after a victorious battle. They prophesy that he will become Thane of Cawdor and eventually King of Scotland. When part of the prophecy comes true, Macbeth’s ambition is ignited. Spurred on by his equally ambitious wife, Lady Macbeth, he murders King Duncan in his sleep to seize the throne. Wracked with guilt and paranoia, Macbeth descends into tyranny, ordering further killings—including that of his loyal friend Banquo and the family of Macduff. As the consequences of his actions unravel, Lady Macbeth succumbs to guilt-driven madness and dies. Macbeth, hardened and desperate, faces rebellion led by Macduff and Malcolm, Duncan’s son. In the climactic battle, Macbeth learns that the witches’ prophecy has a hidden meaning: though they said no man “born of woman” could harm him, Macduff reveals he was delivered by a caesarean birth and kills Macbeth. The play ends with Malcolm’s restoration to the throne, symbolizing the re-establishment of order and justice.