Macbeth - Act 5 Scene 7: An Intense Battle and Macbeth's Clinging to Prophecy

TLDRIn Act 5 Scene 7 of Macbeth, Macbeth finds himself cornered in battle but continues to fight. He takes comfort in the prophecy that no person born from a woman can harm him. Macbeth kills Young Siward, confident that he must have been born through unconventional means. Macbeth flees before Macduff arrives, while Malcolm and Siward head towards the castle. Despite setbacks, Macbeth still believes in the second vision that none of woman born can harm him, showcasing his blind allegiance to what he perceives as his destiny.

Key insights

⚔️Macbeth's determination to fight despite being cornered in battle showcases his resilience and refusal to surrender.

🔮Macbeth takes comfort in the prophecy that no person born from a woman can harm him, finding temporary solace in this belief.

💀Macbeth kills Young Siward, believing that he must have been born in an unconventional way, as he is not affected by the prophecy.

🏃‍♂️Macbeth flees before Macduff arrives, showing his instinct for self-preservation in the face of danger.

🏰Malcolm and Siward head towards the castle, intensifying the impending confrontation between Macbeth and his enemies.

Q&A

Why does Macbeth continue to fight even when he is cornered in battle?

Macbeth refuses to surrender and shows his determination to fight against all odds.

What is the significance of Macbeth's belief in the prophecy?

Macbeth finds momentary comfort in the prophecy that no person born from a woman can harm him, allowing him to continue his aggressive pursuit of power.

Why does Macbeth kill Young Siward?

Macbeth kills Young Siward, believing that he must have been born through unconventional means, as he is not bound by the prophecy.

Why does Macbeth flee before Macduff arrives?

Macbeth recognizes the impending danger posed by Macduff and makes a strategic decision to escape.

What does the movement of Malcolm and Siward towards the castle signify?

The movement of Malcolm and Siward towards the castle highlights the approaching confrontation between Macbeth and his adversaries.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Act 5 Scene 7 of Macbeth takes place in the midst of a battle where Macbeth finds himself cornered but continues to fight.

00:09Macbeth takes comfort in the prophecy that no person born from a woman can harm him, finding temporary solace in this belief.

00:16Macbeth kills Young Siward, believing that he must have been born through unconventional means, as he is not affected by the prophecy.

00:31Macbeth flees before Macduff arrives, showing his instinct for self-preservation in the face of danger.

00:38Malcolm and Siward head towards the castle, intensifying the impending confrontation between Macbeth and his enemies.