{"product_id":"1439700-1623-shakespeare","title":"1439700 1623 Shakespeare.  Macbeth.  Title Leaf plus two other Pivotal Leaves..","description":"\u003cp\u003e9184.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"center\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"center\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMacbeth.   From the First Folio.\u003c\/strong\u003e   \u003cstrong\u003e1623.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"center\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle Leaf plus two others.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003c!--StartFragment --\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003e\"Actus Primus. Scoena Prima.\" \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003e7.25\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003e\" x \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003e11.65\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003e\". A beautiful leaf in Fine condition. Macbeth being one of the plays for which there is no early quarto, the First Folio is thus the very first appearance of the play in print. The title page with its immortal opening lines \"When shall we three meet again, in thunder, darkness or in raine\" ranks among the most sought after of the entire canon.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eTextual Notes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf1\"\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf2\"\u003e1623\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf2\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf1\"\u003eFirst Folio is considered the authoritative text for \"Macbeth\" and serves as the basis for most modern editions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf1\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf1\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf1\"\u003e\"Macbeth\" was likely written around \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf1\"\u003e1606\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf1\"\u003e, and it is believed to have been performed for King James I in August or December of that year\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf1\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf1\"\u003e. The play features many compliments to King James VI\/I, suggesting that the original writing is Jacobean rather than Elizabethan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf1\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf1\"\u003e. The procession of Kings in Act Four could date the composition to around \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf1\"\u003e1603\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf1\"\u003e, the year James Stuart ascended the English throne\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf1\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf1\"\u003e. Additionally, references to \"equivocation\" by the Porter in Act Two and other allusions are seen as references to the trial of the Gunpowder Plot conspirators, which took place in January-March \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf1\"\u003e16061\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf1\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf1\"\u003eThe primary source for \"Macbeth\" was Raphael Holinshed's \"Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland\" (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf1\"\u003e1587\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf1\"\u003e), a popular history well known to Shakespeare and his contemporaries\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf1\"\u003e2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf1\"\u003e. Holinshed's account of the reigns of Duncan and Macbeth provided the historical context and details for the play, though with some notable differences\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf1\"\u003e2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf1\"\u003e. For example, in Holinshed's \"Chronicles,\" Banquo is Macbeth's accomplice in the plot to overthrow King Duncan. However, in \"Macbeth,\" Shakespeare recasts Banquo and his descendants as Macbeth's adversaries, undoubtedly to please King James, who traced his lineage to Banquo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf1\"\u003e2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf1\"\u003e. Other minor sources contributed to Shakespeare's dramatic version of history, including Reginald Scot's \"Discovery of Witchcraft\" and \"Daemonologie,\" written in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf2\"\u003e1599\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf2\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf1\"\u003eby King James I\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eSynopses of Fragments: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eTitle Leaf (Pages \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003e131-132\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eThis fragment consists of the first two pages of Macbeth. It opens with the three Weyard sisters (Witches) incanting Macbeth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003es name, proceeds to a bloody messenger informing King Duncan of Macbeth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003es heroism in the recent battle, then on to Macbeth and Banquo actually meeting the witches. The witches foretell that Macbeth will be made Thane of Cawdor and eventually King. When the witches depart another messenger tells Macbeth that because of his heroism, he will be made Thane of Cawdor. When Macbeth argues that the Thane of Cawdor still lives, he is told that the king has deposed him and named Macbeth in his place. Macbeth begins to ponder about the witches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e’ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003esecond prophecy concerning him, that of his becoming king. It is a remarkable leaf.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eThe opening scene of Macbeth comprises thirteen lines of loosely rhymed iambic tetrameter, a style more commonly associated with lighter fare and employed by Shakespeare in an opening scene only one other time (Gower\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003es prologue in Pericles). The text of the scene references nothing specific about the play other than the name of the title character. It could in fact be presented entirely in dumb show without much loss of visceral impact.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eYet the text is itself a masterpiece of economy. Employing a mere \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf4\"\u003e62\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf4\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003ewords, Shakespeare provides his audience with an ocean of subtext: there is not only an immediate awareness of the historical time and place of the action, there is an almost palpable sense that darkness and deviltry will figure heavily in the overall tone and mood of the piece. The weyard sisters convey a sense of foreboding and inevitability that will propel the action forward until the bloodied head of Macbeth is brought forth in Act \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003e5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003e. Not even the Porter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003es scene in Act Two provides relief: the hapless Porter envisions himself as the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e“\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003egatekeeper of hell\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eand the repeated knocking at the door emphasizes the theme of sleeplessness and unrest.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eThough modern audiences have become somewhat inured to the terror inspired by the weyard sisters, in Jacobean times their presence would conjure lurid and haunting images of hellish torments visited upon the unfaithful. Shakespeare knew his audience well: King James was himself a scholar of witches and witchcraft, and had indeed authored a book on the subject called Daemonologie. In fact, James had on more than one occasion put witches to death prior to the first performance of the play in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003e1606\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003e. Shakespeare also deviates from the historical Macbeth in order to depict Banquo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003es heirs, long held to be the ancestors of the Stuart line, as not only reigning in perpetuity but also of re-unifying England and Scotland which indeed James did.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eDespite the economy, brilliance and impact of the opening scene, some modern directors choose to transpose it with the scene immediately following, that of a bloodied Captain relating the tale of Macbeth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003es heroic defeat of Norway to a grateful Duncan. This can be quite effective as evidenced by the recent Patrick Stewart outing directed by Rupert Goold. The result is that a great deal of exposition is brought out early, but this quickening of the narrative comes at a price. We lose the immediacy of being plunged headfirst into a world of darkness and terror, a world where\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eFair is foul, and foul is fair\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eIn the original sequence it is only after this pronouncement that we hear of the heroics of Macbeth. The audience\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003es expectations of Macbeth are thus suspended until we initially encounter him in scene three with Banquo where his very first line\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eSo Foul and Fair a day I have not seen\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eimmediately associates him with the powers of darkness. Both sequences work. But only one perfectly captures the tenor and tone of its time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003ePages \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf4\"\u003e143-144\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf4\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003e- \"Something wicked this way comes\" Item \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003e10381\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eFrightened, Macbeth goes to visit the witches in their cavern. There, they show him a sequence of demons and spirits who present him with further prophecies: he must beware of Macduff, a Scottish nobleman who opposed Macbeth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003es accession to the throne; he is incapable of being harmed by any man born of woman; and he will be safe until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane Castle. Macbeth is relieved and feels secure, because he knows that all men are born of women and that forests cannot move. When he learns that Macduff has fled to England to join Malcolm, Macbeth orders that Macduff\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003es castle be seized and, most cruelly, that Lady Macduff and her children be murdered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eWhen news of his family\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003es execution reaches Macduff in England, he is stricken with grief and vows revenge. Prince Malcolm, Duncan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003es son, has succeeded in raising an army in England, and Macduff joins him as he rides to Scotland to challenge Macbeth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003es forces. The invasion has the support of the Scottish nobles, who are appalled and frightened by Macbeth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003es tyrannical and murderous behavior. Lady Macbeth, meanwhile, becomes plagued with fits of sleepwalking in which she bemoans what she believes to be bloodstains on her hands. Before Macbeth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003es opponents arrive, Macbeth receives news that she has killed herself, causing him to sink into a deep and pessimistic despair. Nevertheless, he awaits the English and fortifies Dunsinane, to which he seems to have withdrawn in order to defend himself, certain that the witches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e’ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eprophecies guarantee his invincibility. He is struck numb with fear, however, when he learns that the English army is advancing on Dunsinane shielded with boughs cut from Birnam Wood. Birnam Wood is indeed coming to Dunsinane, fulfilling half of the witches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e’ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eprophecy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eIn the battle, Macbeth hews violently, but the English forces gradually overwhelm his army and castle. On the battlefield, Macbeth encounters the vengeful Macduff, who declares that he was not \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e“\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eof woman born\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003ebut was instead \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e“\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003euntimely ripped\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003efrom his mother\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003es womb (what we now call birth by cesarean section). Though he realizes that he is doomed, Macbeth continues to fight until Macduff kills and beheads him. Malcolm, now the King of Scotland, declares his benevolent intentions for the country and invites all to see him crowned at Scone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eill Fleance, who escapes into the night. Macbeth becomes furious: as long as Fleance is alive, he fears that his power remains insecure. At the feast that night, Banquo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003es ghost visits Macbeth. When he sees the ghost, Macbeth raves fearfully, startling his guests, who include most of the great Scottish nobility. Lady Macbeth tries to neutralize the damage, but Macbeth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003es kingship incites increasing resistance from his nobles and subjects.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003ePages \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf4\"\u003e147-148\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf4\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003e- \"Out Damn spot, out I say\" (Item \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003e10255)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eThe Tragedie of Macbeth, single leaf extracted from the first folio, pp.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003e147\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003e\/\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003e148\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003e, lightly foxed, repair to lower margin (not affecting text or ruled border), repair to lower corner slightly affecting text, folio (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf4\"\u003e304\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf4\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003ex \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003e194\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003emm.), [\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003e1623\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003e].\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eAn excellent leaf from the original printing of Macbeth, one of Shakespeare's greatest and most popular plays. Though written c. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003e1606-07\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003e, Macbeth was only first published in the First Folio (no prior quartos exist). This leaf includes one of the bard's most famous yet oft-misquoted lines \"Out damned spot: out I say.\" as Lady Macbeth despairs of trying to remove all traces of the murder of Duncan.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eMalcolm the son of Duncan and the true heir to the throne does not trust macduff and feels that possibly Macbeth has sent Macduff to him. In order to test Macduff, Malcolm reveals terrible traits of character about himself saying in effect that he simply cannot be trusted. Macduff breaks down and says that Malcolm is unfit to rule Scotland, at which point Malcolm assures Macduff that what he has what he has said it's not at all true and that in effect he will make a very capable leader.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eA doctor says that a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e“\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003ecrew of wretched souls\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eis waiting for the English king, Edward the confessor, to cure them. He urges Malcolm to return quickly to Scotland and Malcolm agrees to with the aid of the English king. Fittingly \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eIn a new scene, a doctor and a gentlewoman wait outside Lady Macbeth's chamber to see if they can uncover evidence of her sleepwalking. Lady Macbeth enters, speaks of the smell of blood and expresses horror that Lady Macduff and Banquo have been murdered. Gazing at her hands she says \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e“\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eLook here's another spot. Out damn spot Out I say.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003ethe doctor maintains that there is no medicine that can cure Lady Macbeth and that she will need \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e“\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003edivine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eassistance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eSome additional notes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eThe newly empowered Macbeth commands the witches to reveal his ultimate fate. They comply in a deliberately obscure and misleading manner.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eLennox informs a Lord of his suspicion that neither Duncan or Banquo were murdered by their sons and that he believes it was Macbeth who was responsible.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eThe fragment begins with a brief scene in which Hecate visits the Weyard Sisters and accosts them of excluding her from the affairs of Macbeth. Finally, Macbeth, no longer in awe of the witches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e’ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003epower demands of them his ultimate fate. He is told first that the greatest threat against him is Macduff at which point he resolves to attack and murder Macduff and his family. He then learns that no man born of woman can bring him harm. He takes this as a virtual statement of invulnerability and justification for attacking and murdering Macduff. He then learns that no harm shall come to Macbeth until \"Birnam wood doth come to Dunsinane\". This too buoys his feelings of invincibility and rather than letting things go at that, he then asks what will become of Banquo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003es heirs. He is then shown a series of eight apparitions, each wearing a crown and each bearing a double orb and sceptre the meaning of which is apparent: after Macbeth dies, Banquo's heirs will unite England and Scotland and reign well into the future.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003e The play begins with the brief appearance of a trio of witches and then moves to a military camp, where the Scottish King Duncan hears the news that his generals, Macbeth and Banquo, have defeated two separate invading armies\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e—\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003eone from Ireland, led by the rebel Macdonwald, and one from Norway. Following their pitched battle with these enemy forces, Macbeth and Banquo encounter the witches as they cross a moor. The witches prophesy that Macbeth will be made thane (a rank of Scottish nobility) of Cawdor and eventually King of Scotland. They also prophesy that Macbeth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003es companion, Banquo, will beget a line of Scottish kings, although Banquo will never be king himself.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003eThe witches vanish, and Macbeth and Banquo treat their prophecies skeptically until some of King Duncan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003es men come to thank the two generals for their victories in battle and to tell Macbeth that he has indeed been named thane of Cawdor. The previous thane betrayed Scotland by fighting for the Norwegians and Duncan has condemned him to death. Macbeth is intrigued by the possibility that the remainder of the witches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e’ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003eprophecy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e—\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003ethat he will be crowned king\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e—\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003emight be true, but he is uncertain what to expect. He visits with King Duncan, and they plan to dine together at Inverness, Macbeth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003es castle, that night. Macbeth writes ahead to his wife, Lady Macbeth, telling her all that has happened.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003eLady Macbeth suffers none of her husband\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003es uncertainty. She desires the kingship for him and wants him to murder Duncan in order to obtain it. When Macbeth arrives at Inverness, she overrides all of her husband\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003es objections and persuades him to kill the king that very night. He and Lady Macbeth plan to get Duncan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003es two chamberlains drunk so they will black out; the next morning they will blame the murder on the chamberlains, who will be defenseless, as they will remember nothing. While Duncan is asleep, Macbeth stabs him, despite his doubts and a number of supernatural portents, including a vision of a bloody dagger. When Duncan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003es death is discovered the next morning, Macbeth kills the chamberlains\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e—\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003eostensibly out of rage at their crime\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e—\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003eand easily assumes the kingship. Duncan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003es sons Malcolm and Donalbain flee to England and Ireland, respectively, fearing that whoever killed Duncan desires their demise as well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003eFearful of the witches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e’ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003eprophecy that Banquo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003es heirs will seize the throne, Macbeth hires a group of murderers to kill Banquo and his son Fleance. They ambush Banquo on his way to a royal feast, but they fail to kill Fleance. Malcolm however flees to England where he discusses all that has gone on and his fears for the future edward assures him that the future indeed is rosy for Malcolm and Banquo. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf3\"\u003e Dramatis Personae\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf5\"\u003eMacbeth: A Scottish general and the Thane of Glamis who is led to wicked thoughts by the prophecies of the three witches. He becomes Thane of Cawdor and eventually King of Scotland. Macbeth is a brave soldier but is easily tempted into murder to fulfill his ambitions. His response to every problem is violence and murder, and he is unable to bear the psychological consequences of his actions \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf5\"\u003eLady Macbeth: Macbeth's wife, a deeply ambitious woman who lusts for power and position. She is the stronger and more ruthless of the two, urging Macbeth to kill King Duncan and seize the crown. However, she falls victim to guilt and madness, eventually committing suicide \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf6\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf5\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf6\"\u003e2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf5\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf5\"\u003eThe Three Witches: Also known as the \"Weird Sisters,\" they plot mischief against Macbeth using charms, spells, and prophecies. Their predictions prompt Macbeth to murder Duncan and lead him to believe in his own immortality \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf6\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf5\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf6\"\u003e2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf5\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf5\"\u003eBanquo: A brave and noble general whose children, according to the witches' prophecy, will inherit the Scottish throne. Unlike Macbeth, Banquo does not act on his ambitious thoughts. He is later murdered by Macbeth, and his ghost haunts Macbeth \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf6\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf5\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf6\"\u003e2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf5\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf5\"\u003eDuncan: The good and benevolent King of Scotland whom Macbeth murders in his ambition for the crown \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf6\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf5\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf6\"\u003e2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf5\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf5\"\u003eMacduff: The Thane of Fife who becomes Macbeth's nemesis. He eventually kills Macbeth in revenge for the murder of his family \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf6\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf5\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf6\"\u003e2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf5\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf5\"\u003eMalcolm: The son of and heir to King Duncan, who flees Scotland after his father's murder. He later returns with an army to reclaim the throne from Macbeth \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf6\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf5\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf6\"\u003e2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf5\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf5\"\u003eHecate: The goddess of witchcraft who helps the three witches work their mischief on Macbeth \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf6\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf5\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf6\"\u003e2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf5\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf5\"\u003eFleance: Banquo's son, who survives Macbeth's attempt to murder him. His whereabouts are unknown at the end of the play \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf6\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf5\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf6\"\u003e2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf5\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf5\"\u003eLennox, Ross, Menteith, Angus, and Caithness: Scottish nobles who eventually turn against Macbeth \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf6\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf5\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf6\"\u003e2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf5\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf5\"\u003eThe Murderers: A group of ruffians hired by Macbeth to kill Banquo, Fleance, and Macduff's family \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf5\"\u003eLady Macduff: Macduff's wife, who is murdered along with her children by Macbeth's hired assassins \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf6\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf5\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf6\"\u003e2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf5\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf5\"\u003eDonalbain: King Duncan's younger son, who flees to Ireland after his father's murder\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!--EndFragment --\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFine\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"1623","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41033783410861,"sku":"9184","price":6600.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0284\/7646\/products\/9184.jpg?v=1644781648","url":"https:\/\/www.nrarities.com\/products\/1439700-1623-shakespeare","provider":"The Gillespie Collection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}