Macbeth
William Shakespeare
Contributed by Sharon Fleming
Act 5 Scene 2
Summary

Macbeth’s support is dwindling. He loses four officials to Malcolm, including Lennox, Menteth, Angus, and Caithness. By this time, the English forces, led by Malcolm, have moved into Scottish territory. The troops have camped at Birnam near Dunsinane, Macbeth's stronghold. It is only a matter of time before they attack.

Analysis

The short scene prepares the audience for the imminent battle. Malcolm has forged a military alliance with the King of England and rebelling Scots. Just as the third apparition had predicted in Act IV Scene I, Birnam is an important an important ingredient to Macbeth's downfall. As Caithness notes, Macbeth’s title “hands loose about him, like a giant's robe upon a dwarfish thief.” Macbeth’s reign verges on collapse.

In Act 1, it is notable in Scene 3 that Banquo referred to Macbeth’s honors as strange titles. Macbeth had attained his position fraudulently, and no longer can he sustain it. He has shed so much blood that his presence in power will curse Scotland if he retains it. The rebelling Scots sound confident in the outcome of their efforts. They believe that time has come for them to bring Macbeth down. The Scots view their country as a patient whose only cure is blood that they will spill on the battleground.

info_outline
Have study documents to share about Macbeth? Upload them to earn free Studypool credits!