Macbeth by William Shakespeare

LEAD IN

When we say that ‘The end justifies the means’, we mean that anything we do is justifiable if it helps us reach an objective. This line of thinking, however, can bring a person face-to-face with a moral dilemma in situations where he must use slightly or totally illegitimate or immoral means to reach a legitimate objective.

1. Look at the following situations and indicate whether you think the end justifies (Yes) the means or not (No).

2. In small groups compare your answers.

3. One member of each group reports the results to the rest of the class.

Means	End
Copy.	Pass an exam.	Yes	No
Tell your boy/girlfriend a lie.	Meet another boy/girl.	Yes	No
Spread false rumours about an opposing candidate.	Win an election.	Yes	No
Shoot and injure an unarmed burglar who is robbing your house.	Protect your property.	Yes	No
Evade taxes.	Have enough money to provide a good education for your handicapped child.	Yes	No
Take drugs that improve performance but do not damage health.	Win a sports competition.	Yes	No

INTRODUCTION ◊ The Macbeths are no ordinary couple. They are going to get to the top and no one is going to stop them. Here is Shakespeare at his thrilling best.

THE STORY

On their return from a victorious campaign, Macbeth and Banquo meet three witches. The witches prophesy that Macbeth will be made Thane of Cawdor, while Banquo's sons will become kings. The first prediction comes true immediately. Lady Macbeth is not content, however, because she wants her husband to be king and convinces him to kill Duncan The king's sons are wrongly suspected of the murder and flee abroad. Macbeth is crowned king.

Macbeth feels that Banquo and his son could be a threat to his throne, so he orders their assassination. The murderers manage to kill Banquo but Fleance escapes. Soon after the killing, Banquo's ghost appears to Macbeth and he becomes increasingly worried about his evil actions, which he sees no way of stopping. His wife has also been shaken by events and starts showing the first signs of madness.

He goes back to the witches to find out what will happen in the future. They tell him to be wary of Macduff, who has joined Malcolm in England, where they are raising an army to attack Macbeth and dethrone him. When Macbeth hears of their plan he sends his soldiers toMacduff's castle where they kill Macduffs wife and children.

Macduff and Malcolm gather their forces and march on Scotland. Macbeth sets up his defences in Dunsinane Castle and waits for the enemy to arrive. Just before the battle, to his great surprise, he hears that Lady Macbeth has committed suicide. He fights bravely but is killed in a fight by Macduff, while Malcolm is crowned king of Scotland.

C HARACTERS

• Duncan, King of Scotland

• Malcolm, Duncan's son

• Donalbain, Duncan's son

• Macbeth, General of the king's army

• Banquo, General of the king's army

• Fleance, Banquo's son

• Macduff, Thane of Fife

• Lady Macbeth, Macbeth's wife

• Three witches

• Banquo's ghost

• Seyton, an officer in Macbeth's army

Note: A thane was a Scottish nobleman who was given land by the king.