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A summary of Act 5: Scenes 1–8 in William Shakespeare's Macbeth. Learn exactly what happened in this chapter, scene, or section of Macbeth and what it means. Perfect for acing essays, tests, and quizzes, as well as for writing lesson plans.
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In Act 5, Scene 1, Lady Macbeth is presented as consumed by guilt. Her inability to sleep could symbolise her feelings of guilt. Her desire to continually wash her hands could symbolise her guilt. Macbeth prepares for battle but is very isolated. The English army use branches from Birnam wood as camouflage so they can approach Macbeth’s castle.
Summary. Lady Macbeth has gone mad. Like her husband, she cannot find any rest, but she is suffering more clearly from a psychological disorder that causes her, as she sleepwalks, to recall fragments of the events of the murders of Duncan, Banquo, and Lady Macduff.
Suddenly, Lady Macbeth appears in a trance, holding a candle. She laments the murders of Lady Macduff and Banquo, seeing imaginary blood on her hands that she can’t wash away. After her strange performance, she leaves, leaving the doctor and gentlewoman bewildered by her descent into madness.
Until Act 5, Macbeth has been tormented with visions and nightmares while Lady Macbeth has derided him for his weakness. Now the audience witnesses the way in which the murders have also preyed on Lady Macbeth.
Analysis. Lady Macbeth’s death, which Malcolm later suggests may have been a suicide, prompts one of Shakespeare’s most famous soliloquies: Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow, Creeps in this ...
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