Use the Plot Analysis chart to explain why you selected each moment.

Question

Part 1: Plot Points
There are several major events listed for each part of the Macbeth plot line in the chart below. Read through and evaluate each of them in terms of their significance to the overall story.

Plot Point
Events
Exposition
(Act 1)

• Macbeth and Banquo are brave soldiers who bring home victory for Scotland. Duncan is aware of their accomplishments and rewards them with new titles. Act 1, Scene 2

• The three strange sisters give Macbeth and Banquo some interesting news. Macbeth believes their words, but Banquo is skeptical about their visions. Act 1, Scene 3

• Macbeth has some hesitation about murdering the King of Scotland for his own benefit. He is thinking logically, but Lady Macbeth is thinking about what she would gain. Act 1, Scene 7

Rising Action
(Act 2)

• Macbeth goes through with the murder of Duncan, even though he is unsure. Act 2, Scene 1

• After the murder, Macbeth forgets to leave the daggers and, instead, carries them back to his room covered with blood. Lady Macbeth hatches a plan to frame the crime on someone else: Duncan's two guards. Act 2, Scene 1

• Duncan's dead body is discovered the morning after his murder. Macduff and Banquo feel something is wrong and have their suspicions. Act 2, Scene 1

Climax
(Act 3)
• Banquo suspects Macbeth of killing Duncan. Act 3, Scene 1

• Macbeth has become cold-hearted. He hired two murderers to kill his best friend in order to prevent Banquo and his son, Fleance, from being a threat to the throne. Act 3, Scene 1

• After Banquo's murder in the woods, Macbeth holds a banquet to celebrate being crowned king. There, Banquo's ghost appears only to Macbeth and takes a seat in Macbeth's chair at the head of the table. Macbeth reacts in a way that makes the partygoers believe he is losing his mind. Act 3, Scene 4

Falling Action
(Act 4)
• The three strange sisters show Macbeth three apparitions, or ghosts, who should serve as warning signs. Act 4, Scene 1

• Macbeth sends men to kill the wife and son of Macduff in order to prevent any threats to his crown. Act 4, Scene 2

• Macduff and Malcolm, King Duncan's son, come up with a plan to defeat Macbeth and give the throne to Malcolm. Act 4, Scene 3

Resolution
(Act 5)
• A once strong Lady Macbeth is now unraveling, showing signs of guilt over all that she's been a part of. She is now the complete opposite of the Lady Macbeth we met in Act I. Act 5, Scene 1

• Macbeth, who once valued life, now dismisses the death of his wife. Act 5, Scene 5

• Even at the very end, Macbeth does not back down. He is killed by Macduff, and Malcolm is crowned king of Scotland. Act 5, Scene 8


Part 2: Plot Analysis
Complete the chart below. In the left column, rank the events in the list above from what you feel is the most significant to the least significant to each plot point. In the right column, explain the reasoning behind your ranking in 5-7 complete sentences.
Think about how these events connect to each other. What makes these moments important, or unimportant? How might the absence of these events affect the story as a whole? Include this information in your response.

Answer 1

Plot Point. Event Ranking Explanation

Exposition. Macbeth and Banquo receive 1. This event sets the stage for the entire story by introducing the characters of Macbeth and Banquo and their relationship with Duncan.
rewards from Duncan.

Rising Action. Macbeth murders Duncan. 2. This event is the turning point in the story, as it sets off a chain of events that lead to Macbeth's downfall.

Climax. Banquo suspects Macbeth. 3. Banquo's suspicions mark a crucial moment in the story, as it shows the shift in Macbeth's character and his descent into paranoia.

Falling Action. Macbeth sends men to kill 4. This event showcases Macbeth's cruelty and desperation to maintain his power.
Macduff's family.

Resolution. Macbeth is killed by Macduff. 5. This event brings closure to the story, as Macbeth's reign of terror comes to an end.

Lady Macbeth showing signs 6. Lady Macbeth's unraveling adds a layer of complexity to the story, as it highlights the consequences of their actions.

of guilt.

The events chosen for each plot point were selected based on their significance to the overall plot and their impact on the characters and their development. These events serve as catalysts for the characters' actions and decisions, ultimately shaping the outcome of the story. Without these key moments, the narrative would lack depth and the progression of the plot would be less compelling. Each event builds upon the previous one, leading to a climactic resolution that ties up all loose ends and brings the story to a satisfying conclusion.