Macbeth - Lesson 22 - The Story so Far Worksheet

The 'Macbeth - Lesson 22 - The Story so Far Worksheet' is a resource designed to help students recall and consolidate their understanding of Acts Four and Five of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'. The worksheet presents a summary of these acts with missing words that students are required to fill in. The exercise begins with Macbeth's second visit to the witches, who provide him with cryptic warnings and prophecies. They caution him about Macduff, the Thane of Fife, and reassure Macbeth that he cannot be defeated by anyone born of a woman, and that he will be safe until a nearby forest moves towards his stronghold at Dunsinane. Despite these assurances, Macbeth is troubled when he sees a vision of Banquo's descendants on the throne.

Upon learning of Macduff's departure to England, Macbeth orders the slaughter of Macduff's family. As the plot unfolds, Lady Macbeth's mental state deteriorates; she is plagued by guilt-induced hallucinations of blood on her hands. In response to Macbeth's tyranny, Macduff and Malcolm gather forces to challenge him. They disguise themselves with branches from Birnam Wood, fulfilling one of the witches' predictions. The climactic battle sees Macduff reveal to Macbeth that he was not born in the usual manner but was instead 'untimely ripped' from his mother's womb. Macduff then slays Macbeth and displays his head as a symbol of victory. The rightful heir, Malcolm, is crowned as the new king of Scotland, bringing hope of peace and order after the tumultuous reign of Macbeth.