Macbeth Notes: Act V, Scenes Vii and Viii Or End Game

Macbeth Notes: Act V, Scenes vii and viii or End Game

Critical Question: Did Macbeth have to die?

Scene vii: Another Part of the Field

 On the battlefield, Macbeth is fearless and continues to believe he cannot be harmed.  Macbeth encounters young Siward and slays him.  Macduff is intent on finding and killing Macbeth to avenge the deaths of his wife and children.  The castle has surrendered; Macbeth’s men are deserting, and the battle is almost won.

Scene viii: Another Part of the Field

 Macbeth is still fighting fiercely when Macduff appears to challenge him.  Macbeth tells Macduff of the witches’ protective prophesy and learns that Macduff was not born naturally, but rather taken prematurely from his mother’s womb.  Macbeth as last realizes the full extent of the witches’ treachery; nevertheless, he fights on.  Macbeth and Macduff continue to battle until Macduff kills Macbeth and carries his body away.  Malcolm, Siward, and Ross enter.  Ross informs Siward that his son was killed in battle.  Siward asks if his son’s wounds were on the front of his body.  Ross confirms that they were and that young Siward died bravely.  Macduff enters with Macbeth’s head.  All hail Malcolm as the new King of Scotland.

Persona Journal: Macbeth Clan: What are your thoughts about Macbeth’s death and Malcolm becoming King? Do you fear reprisals and punishment for having fought on the losing side?

 Malcolm thanks his loyal supporters, rewarding them with the title of Earl.  He reports that Lady Macbeth has committed suicide and vows to correct the wrongs that the Macbeths have committed.  He invites everyone to attend his crowing at Scone.

Persona Journal: The battle and the hostilities are over. How was your family impacted? How do you expect your life to change now that Scotland is at peace?