Macbeth

Macbeth m k b is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. Set mainly in Scotland, the play dramatises the damaging physical and psychological effects of political ambition on those who seek power for its own sake. The play is believed to have been written between 1599 and 1606. The earliest account of a performance of what was probably Shakespeares play is April 1611, when Simon Forman recorded seeing such a play at the Globe Theatre. It was first published in the Folio of 1623, possibly from a prompt book. It was most likely written during the reign of James I , who had already been crowned James VI of Scotland before he succeeded to the English throne as well in 1603. James VII was a patron of Shakespeares acting company, and of all the plays Shakespeare wrote during Jamess reign, Macbeth most clearly reflects the playwrights relationship with the sovereign.

Macbeth, disturbed, visits the three witches once more and asks them to reveal the truth of their prophecies to him. To answer his questions, they summon horrible apparitions, each of which offers predictions and further prophecies to allay Macbeths fears. First, they conjure an armoured head, which tells him to beware of Macduff . Second, a bloody child tells him that no one born of a woman shall be able to harm him. Thirdly, a crowned child holding a tree states that Macbeth will be safe until Great Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane Hill. Macbeth is relieved and feels secure because he knows that all men are born of women and forests cannot move. Macbeth also asks if Banquos sons will ever reign in Scotland the witches conjure a procession of eight crowned kings, all similar in appearance to Banquo, and the last carrying a mirror that reflects even more kings. Macbeth realises that these are all Banquos descendants having acquired kingship in numerous countries. After the witches perfor

Source: Wikipedia