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Macbeth: 5. Witches' brew

The two assassins murder Banquo, but fail to kill his son Fleance. In the evening there is a banquet to celebrate the Macbeths' coronation. Macbeth is confronted by Banquo's ghost and after the guests leave Macbeth reflects on Macduff's absence from the celebrations.

The story

Macbeth's vision of Banquo's ghost
Get away from me! I didn't do it!
Macbeth to Banquo's ghost

Banquo and Fleance are returning to Dunsinane after a day’s hunting when they are intercepted by the two assassins. They kill Banquo...but Fleance manages to escape. That evening there is a banquet at Dunsinane to celebrate the Macbeths’ coronation. The assassins return to tell Macbeth of their failure...and Macbeth resolves to kill Fleance the following day. Then, during the banquet, he is confronted by Banquo’s ghost (or so he believes) and Lady Macbeth is forced to call the celebrations to a premature close, telling the guests her husband is struggling with an illness he has suffered from since childhood. Later Macbeth reflects on the fact that Macduff was absent from the banquet.

The main characters

Name Who is...
Macbeth Thane of Glamis, then of Cawdor, then King of Scotland
Lady Macbeth His wife
The 'Weird Sisters' Three strange creatures living wild on the heathland
Duncan The rightful King of Scotland
Banquo Macbeth's friend and comrade
Fleance Banquo's son
Malcolm Duncan's son and heir
Donalbain Duncan's younger son
Macduff Thane of Fife; loyal to Duncan / Malcolm
Angus, Lennox, Ross Three noblemen who initially support Macbeth but later leave him in favour of Malcolm / Macduff

In the song tutorial

Timing Content
00 00 Part 1 Listening to Verse 2 before learning Verse 1, beginning: 'A vision of the future can be read in the stars...'
02 53 Part 1 Learning Verse 2, beginning: 'Then your stir it to the left side...' This includes the counter-melody so be ready in two groups. Noting what a counter-melody is.
00 00 Part 2 Learning the Middle 8, beginning: 'Fly high in the sky...' The Middle 8 is an 8-bar section of a song that comes near the middle and provides a clear contrast to the verses. Noting the long, flowing notes. Adding a focus on breathing and attempting to sing the verse in a set number of breaths.
02 37 Part 2 Learning the rap, beginning: 'Fillet of a fenny snake, boil and bake...' and noting which words of the rap to accent.
05 32 Part 2 Learning Verse 3, beginning: 'We're brewing up a potion we can never repeat...' Listening first then repeating line by line and then putting the whole of the verse together.

Story questions

Lady Macbeth asks Macbeth what he is planning. How does he reply?

He tells Lady Macbeth that it's better she doesn't know what he's planning

What happens to Banquo and Fleance when they are attacked?

Banquo is killed by the two assassins, but Fleance manages to escape

What is the purpose of the banquet at Dunsinane Castle?

To celebrate the coronation of the Macbeths...and to reward the loyalty of the guests

Why does Macbeth not take his seat at the banqueting table?

He cannot see an empty place at the table - his seat has been taken by the vision he has of Banquo's ghost

How does Lady Macbeth explain her husband's behaviour?

She tells the guests that it is simply an illness that the king has struggled with since childhood

Resources