-
1040
Macbeth Meets the Three Witches
Macbeth and Banquo encounter three strange witches who offer them three prophecies. The first is that Macbeth will become the new Thane of Cawdor. Second, Macbeth will succeed Duncan and become king. Lastly, Banquo will not become a king himself but will father a bloodline of kings. -
1040
The Thane of Cawdor is Executed
The original Thane of Cawdor is executed for his treasonous crimes, King Duncan names Macbeth the new Thane of Cawdor. The first prophecy has come true. -
1040
The Murderous Plot
Lady Macbeth forms a plan to murder King Duncan while he sleeps. After Duncan is murdered, the hope is that Macbeth will become king. -
1040
The Death of King Duncan
Macbeth carries out the plan to murder Duncan after some encouragement from his loving wife. Duncan's guards are framed with the murder and Macbeth remains unsuspected. -
1040
The Rough Night
The awful deed has been done and there is blood on the hands of Macbeth. Already, Macbeth has become stricken with guilt and he cannot sleep. Lady Macbeth is left to place the bloodied blade at the hands of the guards. -
1040
Macduff's Arrival
Lennox and Macduff arrive at the castle. suspicion arises as to who actually murdered the king. Banquo begins to question these sequences of events stating, "let us meet and question this most bloody piece of work to know it further" (2.3. 121-124.). -
1040
Macbeth Becomes King
Duncan's sons Malcolm and Donalbain flee the kingdom and Macbeth is left to be king. This fulfills the second prophecy given by the witches. -
1040
The Meeting
The Old Man speaks with Ross and Macduff. The Old Man says that in seventy years has he never seen a night as strange and terrible as this one. Macduff becomes suspicious.
