The Language of Shakespeare

Although the majority of readers understand the language of Shakespeare, there are some Shakespearean terms that might not be familiar to everyone.

View the list of words that Shakespeare often uses in order to become comfortable with the language before beginning the play.

Characters in Macbeth

There are many characters who connect in Macbeth. Below are some resources to help you connect with them before reading the play.

Macbeth characters

More detailed information regarding the characters

Macbeth Overall Summary

After becoming familiar with the background information of Macbeth, begin reading the play.

Act I of Macbeth

Act I of Macbeth opens with the introduction of the three witches and many of the other main characters. We learn how Macbeth earns his current title and of the prophecies the witches make about Macbeth's future. When reading Act I, notice how the witches' claims affect the thought processes and actions of Macbeth.

In order to have pre-reading knowledge, view the summary for each act before reading.

Summaries of each act of Macbeth

If you need assistance with comprehending the language of Shakespeare during reading, use the guided reading questions for each Act to work through the text.

Remember that your assessment for this module will cover the Shakespearean language and details of the actual text, so make sure to read the entire play and not just the summary. You may want to purchase the book or borrow the play from a library. There are also other links to the play that have excellent explanatory notes. Choose a method that works for you.

Now, begin reading Act I of Macbeth.

After you have read Act I, go to the Macbeth Review Self-Assessment (at the bottom of this page) and complete the questions for Act I.

Act II of Macbeth

Act II of Macbeth details Macbeth's decisions as to how he proceeds with the prophecies from the witches. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's actions reveal much about their characters and relationship. When reading Act II, notice how different Lady Macbeth and Macbeth appear in terms of their gender roles and respective actions.

Remember that the assessment for this module will cover the Shakespearean language and details of the actual text, so make sure to read the entire play and not just the summary.

You may want to purchase the book or borrow the play from a library. There are also other links to the play that have excellent explanatory notes. Choose a method that works for you.

Now, begin reading Act II of Macbeth.

After you have read Act II, go to the Macbeth Review Self-Assessment (at the bottom of this page) and complete the questions for Act II.

Act III of Macbeth

Act III of Macbeth opens with Macbeth holding a banquet and inviting Banquo in attempts to continue fulfilling the witches' prophecies. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's actions continue to create conflict across the kingdom.

When reading Act III, make sure to read Lady Macbeth's soliloquy with depth. Her time onstage reveals her innermost thoughts and desires which allows readers a clear understanding of who she is as a person.

Remember that the assessment for this module will cover the Shakespearean language and details of the actual text, so make sure to read the entire play and not just the summary. The link provided here serves as one option. Students may want to purchase the book or borrow the play from a library. There are also other links to the play that have excellent explanatory notes. Choose a method that works for you.

Now, begin reading Act III of Macbeth.

After you have read Act III, go to the Macbeth Review Self-Assessment (at the bottom of this page) and complete the questions for Act III.

Act IV of Macbeth

Act IV of Macbeth opens with the witches around the cauldron and Macbeth once again questioning them about his future. The witches explain the apparitions, and readers experience the tragedy that falls on Macduff's family. In Act IV of the play, notice how Macbeth has changed from the beginning of the play until now. Take note of how his self-focus and strong desire for ambition has essentially changed his personality in a negative manner.

Remember that the assessment for this module will cover the Shakespearean language and details of the actual text, so make sure to read the entire play and not just the summary. The link provided here serves as one option. Students may want to purchase the book or borrow the play from a library. There are also other links to the play that have excellent explanatory notes. Choose a method that works for you.

Now, begin reading Act IV of Macbeth.

After you have read Act IV, go to the Macbeth Review Self-Assessment (at the bottom of this page) and complete the questions for Act IV.

Act V of Macbeth

Act V of Macbeth opens with Lady Macbeth suffering from the murders committed. Throughout the play, the decisions made by Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have affected them negatively, and everything comes to a head in Act V. Notice the deterioration of Lady Macbeth's mental state. When reading the final act of the play, think about what Shakespeare wants the audience to learn from Lady Macbeth and Macbeth's downfall.

Remember that the assessment for this module will cover the Shakespearean language and details of the actual text, so make sure to read the entire play and not just the summary. The link provided here serves as one option. You may want to purchase the book or borrow the play from a library. There are also other links to the play that have excellent explanatory notes. Choose a method that works for you.

Now, begin reading Act V of Macbeth.

After reading Act V, practice your understanding of the important quotations in the Act V section of the Macbeth Review Self-Assessment below. Think about the meaning behind the quotations in order to understand each character based on his or her words and actions.

Macbeth review: Self-Assessment

Macbeth review: Study Guide Questions and Summaries

Macbeth study guide questions.

RESOURCES IN THIS MODULE ARE OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES (OER) OR CREATED BY GAVS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. SOME IMAGES USED UNDER SUBSCRIPTION.