Macbeth as Booker's Seven Basic Plots Analysis: Tragedy Plot

Plot Type :

Anticipation Stage

Macbeth has heard the witches' prophecy that he will be King of Scotland

Before hearing this, Macbeth was pretty content with his life. Now he has horrible imaginings, ones that befit a traitor more than a war hero. Though he isn't exactly excited about murdering Duncan, he doesn't wholly dismiss the prospect.

Dream Stage

Macbeth murders Duncan and fits easily into the crown.

Macbeth frames Duncan's guards with his wife's help, casts suspicion on Duncan's sons, and takes the crown for himself. The King's sons Malcolm and Donalbain have disappeared, and no one questions Macbeth's loyalty or his guilty conscience.

Frustration Stage

The borrowed-robes-hang-loose soliloquy

With his head fresh in the crown, Macbeth feels unsafe in his newly found power until the one remaining threat is removed. Though Banquo has not cast any suspicion nor been unkind in any way, it seems best to have him (and his son Fleance) murdered – just in case. Macbeth has to ensure that he hasn't sold his soul for Banquo's gain.

Nightmare Stage

Banquo, in ghost form, comes to the banquet, held up a little by Death and looking a little pale in the face. Suspicion falls heavily on tyranny.

Banquo's ghost throws Macbeth into a public and embarrassing fit. That same night, Macbeth has received intelligence that Macduff, Thane of Fife, has gone to England to gather forces with Malcolm and Siward.

Destruction stage

Macbeth visits the weird sisters. He readies for battle.

The weird sisters have given Macbeth artificial intelligence that fosters false hopes of victory in him. Macbeth's destruction lies in the fact that the prophecies come true to the rebels' advantage instead of Macbeth's. Macbeth, in a sudden burst of perception, realizes he is defeated. With his wife freshly dead and his faith sorely missed, Macbeth dies fighting. He leaves the play a warrior content with his lot – just as he entered it.