Scenes 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, and 5.8
Scene 5.5 – Macbeth’s castle
Macbeth
declares that the only reason he doesn’t challenge Malcolm’s army directly
is because Malcolm’s numbers are reinforced with men that he feels should be
on his side. There is a cry of women. Macbeth would have normally been startled
by such a noise, but as of late he has become desensitized to shrieks of horror.
A servant enters to inform him that the cry was for the death of his wife. His
lack of sorrow at the news makes him realize that he doesn’t care about life
anymore. He coldly states that life is meaningless and that each interminable
day brings us unknowingly closer to death. He would rather die now because in
the grand scheme of things, he is like an actor with a worthless moment on the
stage, and no one will remember him after the show is over.
A messenger
enters to give a frightening report that Birnam Wood seemed to move towards
Dunsinane. Macbeth threatens to hang him if he is wrong, but if he is right,
Macbeth doesn’t care if he gets hung himself. He curses the witches for
lifting his hopes with such a deviously phrased prediction, and he declares that
if he will die at least he will die fighting.
Scene 5.6 – As before
Malcolm
commands the forces to throw down their leafy branches and split into two
halves, with Siward and his son leading the first charge.
Scene 5.7 – As before
Macbeth finds
himself alone with Young Siward. Macbeth slays him and gloats that he was not
born of woman.
Scene 5.8 – Before Macbeth’s castle; the battle continues
Macduff
searches for Macbeth to confront him for murdering his family. He says that if
he doesn’t face Macbeth, his sword will have been worthless.
