Act 1
My first impression of Act 1 was that the story was going to be filled with agony and a lot of suspense. The reason I believe this is because the introduction of the three witches speaking about the future king made me wonder how Macbeth was supposed to become king. All of act 1 was a large build up to him planning and thinking about becoming king. Act 1 showed us a lot about the story's mood, which is dark and very suspenseful.
Act 2
In my opinion, Act 2 was far better thn Act 1. My reasoning for this is because Act 2 had much more drama and showed us a lot of character defining traits in characters that were touched upon in Act 1. For example, we see that Lady Macbeth is a heinous person, as she persuades Macbeth into doing the killing of King Duncan. The suspense of how it went down to the sorrow and guilt that Macbeth felt afterwards shows us what kind of person Macbeth really is, and how easily persuaded he can be.
Act 3
Act 3 is the start of many conflicts. The conflict between Macbeth and Banquo and even the small conflict between Hecate and the Witches. This act is much more interesting than Act 2, as many new issues and conflicts were created between characters. The drama in this act is more intense, as Macbeth goes out of his way to kill Banquo out of paranoia. This act sets up a big confrontation of Macduff, and shows us readers a lot of his true characteristics, as well as Malcolm's.
Act 4
This act definitely left me wanting to read more. The conflict between Macbeth and Macduff made the story have a darker tone to it, and made me wondering what's going to happen. Afterwards, when Macduff leaves to Scotland, the sad passages of his wife and child definitely make the story feel real. I loved reading this chapter. Based off of this chapter along, I can think of 2 strong conflicts, and where the story takes place.
Act 5
Act 5 was the final Act of the Macbeth play. The entire thing revolves around the plans of taking down Macbeth, as well as the actions of following through with the plans. The act introduces us to a few new characters, such as Young Siward and Siward. The act solidifies how bad of a king Macbeth was, as his own men started to turn on him and fought against him. Macbeth's ending was poetic and well deserved.
The story of Macbeth takes place in the medieval ages, as there are kings and thanes of different places. The story takes place in Scotland, as many of the characters are said to have Scottish backgrounds. With the help of some research, I discovered that the story of Macbeth actually takes place in Inverness, which is an area around the Scottish Highlands.
Although most of the story takes place in Scotland, both of King Duncan's sons run away. Malcolm, who is focused on later in the story, retreats to England, whilst Donalbain runs off to Ireland. Macduff also escapes to England and speaks with Malcolm while being there.
Lust for power.
The theme "Lust for Power" is a major theme in Macbeth, the whole story is based on Macbeth, who had a quench for power, in which he betrayed a close friend of his to gain. He becomes wary of everything and everyone, which leads to his downfall as king. Lady Macbeth is a large influence on Macbeth's decision to kill King Duncan, although the idea sprouted from his mind first. She is as ruthless as he was, and just as hungry for power.
Power leads to corruption and greed.
This a theme that's shown throughout the story. mainly to do with Macbeth and lady Macbeth. Both of these characters are have a inner wanting for power, and once they have it, it ruins their trust in everyone. Macbeth is so afraid of losing his power he doesn't care what happens to anyone, no matter how close he is to them.
Ambition can overpower morality.
The reason I believe this is a theme is because throughout the story, multiple characters lose their sense of morality whilst journeying towards their fate. Macbeth and Malcolm demonstrate this theme quite accurately. Both of them are willing to do whatever it takes, except for different reason. Macbeth killed his friend, King Duncan, for the sake of taking the throne. Whilst Malcolm would do anything to take down Macbeth.
Duncan
Plays a pivotal role in Macbeth's climax.
Macbeth
The main character, plays biggest part in story.
Ross
Macduff's cousin, mainly delivers news throughout story.
Three Witches
Without the witches, the entire play would not happen. They fueled Macbeth's desire to be king.
The Captain
Only Seen throughout act 1.
Malcolm
Makes a larger appearance towards the end of the play.
Lennox
Lennox was a loyal friend to Macbeth, until he realizes Macbeth had been lying to him.
Banquo
Important character from his beginning to death.
Angus
Angus doesn't make a large role in Macbeth, but he is one of the thanes who end up leaving Macbeth's side.
Lady Macbeth
One of Macbeth's biggest influences, as she is the main reason the climax of the story happened in the first place.
MacDuff
The one who begins to doubt Macbeth from the start, causing Macbeth to be overthrown eventually.
Fleance
Banquo's son, supposedly will be become king.
Donalbain
Not much is seen of Donalbain. He is one of king Duncan's sons.
Macduff's Child
Has a strong sense of leadership and understanding of the world.
Murderers
The ones who kill Banquo and Macduff's family
Mentheith
Doesn't play a large part, but does further strengthen Macbeth's belief that he's invincible.
Hecate
The goddess of witches.
Person Vs Self
A good example of a person vs self conflict is when Macbeth murders Duncan. I know this is a conflict because Macbeth feels tremendous guilt for his actions, and he doesn't feel well about doing such a dirty deed. He felt guilty for even thinking about doing it, so finishing the task made it too much for his mind to bare. We see Macbeth's guilt when he thinks:" For Banquo’s issue have I filed my mind;
For them the gracious Duncan have I murdered;" 3.1.67-68
Person vs Person
There are many person vs person conflicts in this story, but one of the ones that caught my attention is Macduff vs Malcolm. It caught my attention because I can understand both Malcolm and Macduff's reasoning for leaving Scotland. The heated arguments between them caused a lot of friction and made each of them to feel as if the other was not trustworthy. We can see the conflict ongoing when Malcolm says: "Perchance even there where I did find my doubts.
Why in that rawness left you wife and child,
Those precious motives, those strong knots of love,
Without leave-taking?
Person vs Society
Towards the end of the play, both Macbeth's men and Macduff and Malcolm's men come together in union to take down Macbeth. Macbeth had an entire society of people against him, including his own allies and soldiers. We see Macbeth's soldiers start to fight when Siward realizes: "The tyrant’s people on both sides do fight," (5.7.27).