Act V
Scene 3
Macbeth’s attendants and doctors arrive into the Dunsinane castle. Macbeth orders he does not like what to see other reports as he does not care if all thane abandon him. He will not fear until Birnam woods go to Dunshine. He reassures himself that Malcom is born of a woman; therefore, no man will conquer him as all men are born of women. According to him, his mind and courage will not waver. In the meantime, a servant enters into the room looking scared, which prompts Macbeth to curse him asking him the reason for fright. The servant stammers and breaths fast while Macbeth bombards him with questions he struggles to answer. The servant manages to mention the word ten thousand and soldiers. Macbeth agitated, sends away the servant calling him a fool.
Macbeth calls for Seyton exclaiming that the battle with either strengthen his reign or destroy him. Macbeth acknowledges he has lived for long and the direction of his life is fading away like Stars in the morning. His old age should be filled with obedience, love, honour and real friends; instead, his life is filled with people who curse him and wish for his death. He calls Seyton and asking him for news. Seyton confirms to him that the enemies are fast approaching. Macbeth asks for the armor even if Seyton advise him that he does not need an armor yet vowing he will fight to his last breath.
Macbeth then instructs the execution of any citizen found spreading fear. He inquires about the health of his wife, and the doctor informs him that Lady Macbeth is not sick apart from visions that trouble her at night. Macbeth asks the doctor to do everything in his power to finds a cure, but the doctor informs him that there is no cure. The only way the Lady can heal is by relaxing and finding a peaceful place failure to which she may die. Macbeth orders two horses to be prepared as he will do anything to save the life of his wife.
Scene 4
In a country close to Birnam wood, Ross, Angus, Macduff, Malcolm, Meimeith, Caithness and soldiers enter marching. Malcom address the crowd telling them that he wishes that time will come when they will feel safe in their homes. They all nod in agreement. Malcolm then askes every soldier to take a branch and hide their real identity so that Macbeth’s spies can deliver inaccurate data. Siward announces that Macbeth and his wife have been seen outside Dunsine and they appear to be leaving. Malcolm is puzzled as Macbeth does not look afraid of war and his soldiers are still preparing for war. Macduff assures Malcom he will look into the matter as he desires to avenge for the death of his family. Siward assured the army that the only way they can regain what is rightfully theirs is if they go to war. The soldiers then continue matching.
Scene 5
At Dunsine, Macbeth and his wife enter. Macbeth assures his wife that all will be well, and she will overcome her mental illness. Lady Macbeth is optimistic that she will be well but worries about the war that is about to start at the kingdom while they are away. Macbeth promises his wife that the only thing that matters to him is her health at the instance. Suddenly Macduff appears and Macbeth asks his wife to run away. Macbeth pleads Macduff to depart from him as he does not want to kill him as he already feels bad for killing his family. Macduff showing no emotion assures Macbeth he has nothing to say to him as his sword will show the action. A fight then breaks out.
Macbeth informs Macduff that he is wasting his time as he cannot be injured by any individual born of woman because he is charmed. Macduff tells him his charm cannot work on him as he was removed from the womb of his mother. Macbeth is now fearful as the charm will not work on Macduff. Macduff notices the fear and asks him to surrender, and he will arrange a freak show for him just as people do for distorted animals. Macbeth assures that he will not agree to be the laughing stock of the ordinary people and bow before Malcolm. He promises to fight to his last breath. During the battle, however, Malcolm is defeated and slain.
Scene 6
Lady Macbeth makes it to Macbeth’s old castle weeping. She regrets her husband giving up his life and the kingdom for her and wonders if she can have a life without him. The doctor visits the castle and inquires if the Lady is okay and offering his condolences for the loss of Macbeth. The doctor assures the Lady she will heal with no time and all will be good. That night the Lady Macbeth has sleepless night and all she thinks about reuniting with her husband.
Meanwhile, Macduff reunites with the other soldiers but promises to kill Lady Macbeth. Informed about the death of Macbeth, the soldiers spend the night singing and dancing in victory. They then have to re-strategize on how to conquer the kingdom. Back at the kingdom, people are unbothered by the death of the king owing to the immoral acts that he has done. The people celebrate unaware of the misfortunes that wait for them the next day. Early in the morning when they least expect it, Siward and the army attacks the kingdom, defeats and conquers. The people now have to live according to the requirements of the new government.
Scene 7
It has been a week since the death of Macbeth, and the Lady’s mental problems are nowhere near ending. Staying at the castle, she is a risk of being found By Macduff and killed. She, therefore, has to look for another place to live. The doctor stays with her and prepared food for her. She decides to go to a faraway kingdom to start a new life and probably health from her mental illness. One the night before she is set to leave Macduff’s spies kills her and the doctor in their sleep.