Act I
Scene I - Three Witches speak of things to come.
Scene II - The traitorous thane of Cawdor has been defeated and Duncan, King of Scotland, names Macbeth, who, along with Banquo, has defeated the invading Irishmen, the new thane of Cawdor.
Scene III - Leaving the battlefield, the three witches tell Macbeth and Banquo that Macbeth shall be thane of Glamis, thane of Cawdor, and King of Scotland and that Banquo shall be father of kings, but not king himself. Macbeth and Banquo later discover that Macbeth has been named thane of Cawdor, fulfilling the first part of the witches’ prophecy. Macbeth contemplates killing Duncan to help the second prophecy come true.
Scene IV - At the Duncan’s palace, he names his son, Malcolm, the heir to the throne. Macbeth inwardly notes that Malcolm is now between himself and the throne. Macbeth and Duncan make plans for them to dine at Macbeth’s castle that evening.
Scene V - Lady Macbeth reads a letter from Macbeth telling of the prophecies and she fears that he lacks the courage to kill Duncan. When Macbeth arrives at the castle, Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth that Duncan shall not live to see the morn. Although they shall destroy him, they must act as loving hosts.
Scene VI - Duncan arrives at Macbeth’s castle. He thanks Lady Macbeth for her hospitality and asks to be taken to Macbeth, whom he loves dearly.
Scene VII - Alone, Macbeth begins to have second thoughts about killing Duncan. Lady Macbeth angrily accuses him of being a coward and says that a real man would go through with the murder. She ensures him that they will not fail and explains her plan.
Act II
Scene I -