Macbeth: 8. Finale
On the battlefield Macbeth seems invincible. Then he is confronted by Macduff and the full meaning of the Witches' prophecy becomes apparent.
The story
Damned be him that first cries 'Hold, enough!'Macbeth
While Macbeth is preparing for battle he is given the news that Lady Macbeth has died. Macbeth has no time to mourn her loss. A soldier enters and tells Macbeth that Birnam Wood is apparently moving down the hillside towards Dunsinane (the branches are being carried by Malcolm's army). But on the battlefield Macbeth still believes himself to be invincible. He cuts through the enemy forces until, finally, he is confronted by Macduff. Macbeth tells Macduff he cannot win because 'You were born of a woman'. To which Macduff replies that he was 'cut from my mother's womb before her time'. The two fight and the full meaning of the Witches’ prophecy becomes apparent as Macbeth is killed and Malcolm is pronounced King of Scotland.
The main characters
| Name | Who is... |
|---|---|
| Macbeth | Thane of Glamis, then of Cawdor, then King of Scotland |
| Lady Macbeth | His wife |
| The 'Weird Sisters' | Three strange creatures living wild on the heathland |
| Duncan | The rightful King of Scotland |
| Banquo | Macbeth's friend and comrade |
| Fleance | Banquo's son |
| Malcolm | Duncan's son and heir |
| Donalbain | Duncan's younger son |
| Macduff | Thane of Fife; loyal to Duncan / Malcolm |
| Angus, Lennox, Ross | Three noblemen who initially support Macbeth but later leave him in favour of Malcolm / Macduff |
In the song tutorial
| Timing | Content |
|---|---|
| 00 00 Part 1 | Listening to the slow opening of the 'Finale' before learning Verse 1, beginning: 'Came Birnam Wood to Dunsinane...' Learning the words line by line before singing the whole verse. |
| 03 27 Part 1 | Learning Verse 2, beginning: 'Across the land the bells ring out...' which has the same melody as Verse 1. Introducing a focus on breathing and attempting to sing to a set number of breaths. |
| 06 32 Part 1 | Noting that the song begins with an Instrumental verse (no singing) which is an opportunity to add your own instruments to join in with the melody. Congratulations from presenter Nigel Pilkington on completing all 8 songs of the series! |
| 00 00 Part 2 | Exploring the haunting melody of the 'Finale'. Noting the drone note - as used in 'Finale' - and then experimenting with singing the notes of the 5-note pentatonic scale over the drone. The class will need to be in their two groups for this section - one group to sing the drone note and the other to sing the notes of the scale. |
Story questions
What news is Macbeth brought about his wife?
That she has died
Why does Birnam Wood appear to be moving?
Malcolm's soldiers have cut down branches and are marching on Dunsinane with the branches held in front of them - to disguise their strength
Who does Macbeth kill on the battlefield?
Siward - a young nobleman
Why does Macbeth believe Macduff cannot harm him?
According to the Witches' prophecy Macbeth cannot be harmed by anyone 'born to a woman' - but Macduff was 'cut from my mother's womb before her time'
Who becomes King of Scotland after Macbeth's death?
Malcolm - the rightful heir to the throne
Resources
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Teacher's Notes
Guidance on all episodes (pdf)
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Lyrics - Finale
Download / print the lyrics (pdf)
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Music - Finale
Download / print the music (pdf)
