Student Question
What are the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution in Macbeth?
Quick answer:
The exposition in Macbeth establishes Macbeth's heroism and the witches' interest in him. The rising action includes Macbeth's internal and external debates about murdering King Duncan, culminating in the offstage climax of Duncan's murder. The falling action covers Macbeth's reign, Banquo's assassination, and the plots against Macbeth. The resolution occurs when Macduff kills Macbeth and Malcolm becomes king, restoring order.
In Macbeth, the exposition consists of the first two scenes, in which the heroism and military prowess of Macbeth are established, together with the interest of the witches in his career.
The rising action consists of Macbeth debating with himself, and with Lady Macbeth, as to whether he will murder King Duncan. This internal and external debate lasts until act 2, scene 2.
The climax occurs offstage when Macbeth murders King Duncan.
Because the climax occurs early, the falling action is unusually long. It consists of Macbeth becoming king and having Banquo assassinated, the appearance of Banquo's ghost at the feast, and the increasingly tyrannical conduct of Macbeth as king. It also includes the plans of Malcolm and Macduff to recapture the throne of Scotland from Macbeth, and the prophecies of the witches.
The resolution occurs when Macduff kills Macbeth in battle, and Malcolm is crowned king of Scotland. Malcolm makes a speech to end the play, setting out his priorities and restoring order.
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