Summary
Highlights
A doctor and gentlewoman observe Lady Macbeth sleepwalking. She reenacts her crimes, trying to wash imaginary blood from her hands and expressing guilt over Duncan's murder. The doctor realizes her issues are spiritual, not physical, and warns about her suicidal tendencies.
Scottish soldiers march towards Macbeth's castle at Dunsinane Hill, anticipating the arrival of Malcolm, Old Siward, Young Siward, and Macduff from England. They plan to meet at Birnam Wood, remembering the prophecy that Macbeth will not be defeated until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane.
Macbeth, despite many of his soldiers deserting, remains confident due to the witches' prophecies. He learns of 10,000 English soldiers approaching but believes he is invincible. He calls for his armor and expresses his willingness to die fighting.
Macbeth inquires about Lady Macbeth's health. The doctor reports she suffers from hallucinations, leading Macbeth to demand a cure for her and for Scotland's 'disease.' The doctor, unnerved, expresses his desire to leave the castle and never return.
Malcolm instructs his soldiers to cut down tree branches from Birnam Wood and hold them in front of themselves to disguise their numbers as they advance on Macbeth's castle. Macbeth, believing the castle walls are impenetrable, is alerted by a messenger that Birnam Wood appears to be moving, causing him to doubt the prophecies and order his soldiers to fight outside.
Cries of women reveal Lady Macbeth's death, implied to be a suicide. Macbeth reflects on the meaninglessness of life in a famous soliloquy, comparing it to a brief candle, a poor player, and a tale told by an idiot.
Malcolm's forces, led by Siward and Macduff, drop their branches near the castle. Macbeth kills Young Siward but is confronted by Macduff. Macbeth initially resists fighting Macduff, but Macduff reveals he was born via C-section, fulfilling the prophecy that 'none of woman born' could harm Macbeth.
Old Siward learns of his son's death and is content he died a soldier's death. Macduff re-enters carrying Macbeth's head, proclaiming Malcolm the new King of Scotland. Malcolm grants new royal titles and invites everyone to Scone for his official coronation, concluding the tragedy.