Macbeth, Act 5, Scene 8 summary
Act 5, Scene 8 of 28 · 4 min to read the scene
In Act 5, Scene 8, Macduff reveals his unusual birth, defeats Macbeth, and presents his head to Malcolm, whom the assembled company welcomes as king. Siward accepts his son’s death as honorable, while Malcolm announces rewards, plans for justice, and a coronation at Scone.
What happens
- Macbeth refuses suicide and confronts Macduff, trusting that nobody born of a woman can kill him.
- Macduff reveals that he was cut from his mother’s womb early, destroying Macbeth’s confidence in the spell.
- Macbeth refuses surrender and public humiliation, and the two leave fighting.
- Ross reports Siward’s son’s death; Siward accepts it as honorable because his wounds face forward.
- Macduff returns carrying Macbeth’s head and leads the company in acclaiming Malcolm as king.
- Malcolm names his thanes and relatives earls, announces plans for justice and returning exiles, and invites everyone to his coronation.
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In this scene
What to notice
Macbeth recognizes that the promise protects its wording, not his expectations. Macduff’s revelation removes the confidence on which he depends.
Quick check
What does Siward ask about his son’s death?
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