Act 5, scene 5
Shakespeare's Macbeth
Macbeth laughs at the coming army, but seems bored by his lack of fear. Suddenly, a woman cries out. Seyton investigates, and returns with news that Lady Macbeth has died. Macbeth gives a speech about life: "Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow / Creeps in this petty pace from day to day," concluding that life "is a tale / told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, / signifying nothing" (lines 18­27).
A servant rushes in with news that Birnam Wood is marching toward Dunsinane. Macbeth rushes to see for himself, and realizes the witches tricked him. He feels fear for the first time, calls to raise the alarm, and says that at least he will die fighting.
Act 5, scene 5
Shakespeare's Macbeth
Do Now: Reread page 202, lines 24­28. To what two things does Macbeth compare life when he hears that Lady Macbeth is dead?
Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury
Signifying nothing.
Macbeth compares life to an actor and a
senseless story.
Macbeth has become so numb because of his own
terrible actions he can't even react when his wife
dies. All he can do is comment on how
meaningless life is.