In Act 5, Scene 6 of Macbeth, Malcolm and his army arrive at the gates of Dunsinane, marking the imminent clash with Macbeth's forces. This scene is brief but symbolically potent, as it fulfills the witches' prophecy that Macbeth would be safe until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane. Malcolm’s soldiers, who have camouflaged themselves with branches from Birnam Wood, now discard them, revealing their true numbers as they prepare to attack. This strategy serves both as a clever military tactic and as a moment of poetic justice, as nature itself seems to rise against Macbeth to restore order. By dropping the branches, the soldiers embody the march of the forest, breaking through Macbeth’s illusion of invulnerability.

As Malcolm orders the soldiers to reveal themselves, the theme of rightful leadership versus tyranny becomes prominent. Unlike Macbeth, who ascended the throne through bloodshed and treachery, Malcolm embodies justice and legitimacy, positioning him as the moral counterpoint to Macbeth. Macduff’s command to sound the trumpets adds urgency and signals the beginning of the final battle, escalating the tension as the righteous forces prepare to confront Macbeth’s tyranny. This scene effectively sets the stage for the impending violence and retribution that will unfold, highlighting the relentless advance of justice against a leader who has disrupted the natural and moral order. It’s a turning point where prophecy, justice, and fate converge, symbolizing that Macbeth’s time as king is rapidly approaching its end.