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Unit 5: Macbeth: Detailed Analysis of the Text

them up in order to disguise their numbers. Siward informs Malcolm that Macbeth confidently Notes
holds Dunsinane, waiting for their arrival. Malcolm comments that almost all of Macbeth’s men
have deserted him. The army marches on.

Scene 5
Macbeth orders his men to hang his banners on the outer walls of the castle, claiming that it will
hold until the attackers die of famine. If only the other side were not reinforced with men who
deserted him, he claims, he would not think twice about rushing out to meet the English army
head-on. Upon hearing the cry of a woman within, Macbeth comments that he has almost forgotten
the taste of fears. Seyton returns and announces the death of Lady Macbeth. Seemingly unfazed,
Macbeth comments that she should have died later, at a more appropriate time.
A messenger enters and reports that he has seen something unbelievable: as he looked out toward
Birnam Wood, it appeared that the forest began to move toward the castle. Macbeth is stunned and
begins to fear that the witch’s words may come true after all. He instructs his men to ring the alarm.

Scene 6

Malcolm tells his soldiers that they are near enough to the castle now to throw down the branches
they carry. He announces that Siward and Young Siward will lead the first battle. He and Macduff
will follow behind. The trumpeters sound a charge.

Scene 7
Macbeth waits on the battlefield to defend his castle. He feels like a bear that has been tied to a stake
for dogs to attack. Young Siward enters and demands his name. Macbeth responds that he will be
afraid to hear it. Macbeth kills Young Siward in the ensuing duel, commenting that Young Siward
must have been “born of woman”.

Scene 8
Macduff enters alone and shouts a challenge to Macbeth, swearing to avenge the death of his wife
and children. As he exists, he asks Fortune to help him find Macbeth.

Scene 9

Malcolm and Siward enter and charge the castle.
Scene 10

Macbeth enters, asserting that he should not “play the Roman fool” and commit suicide. Macduff
finds him and challenges him. Macbeth replies that he has thus far avoided Macduff but that he is
now ready to fight. As they fight, Macbeth tells him that he “bears a charmed life”: he will only fall
to a man who is not born of woman. Macduff replies that the time has come for Macbeth to despair:
“let the angel whom thou still hast served / Tell thee Macduff was from his mother’s womb /
Untimely ripped”—Macduff was born through the equivalent of a caesarian section. Hearing this,
Macbeth quails and says that he will not fight. Macduff replies by commanding him to yield and
become the laughing stock of Scotland under Malcolm’s rule. This enrages Macbeth, who swears he
will never yield to swear allegiance to Malcolm. They fight on and thus exit.

Scene 11

Malcolm, Siward, and the other thanes enter. Although they have won the battle, Malcolm notes
that Macduff and Young Siward are missing. Ross reports that Young Siward is dead and eulogizes

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