Macbeth Act 5, Scene 8

Macduff finds Macbeth on the battlefield and challenges him, but Macbeth tries to tell him not to waste his time because no man of a woman born can kill Macbeth. As they fight each other, Macduff says that he was ripped from his mother's womb too early, and therefore was not of a woman born. Macbeth, seeing that he cannot win, still makes an attempt to avert his death as he fights against Macduff. He will not give up because he cannot be so humbled as to kiss Malcolm's feet. So they continue to fight to the death.

Topic Tracking: Foreshadowing 10

Malcolm, Siward, and other lords have gathered on another part of the field. Ross tells Siward that his son is dead. Although the man is sad for the loss, he believes that his son had a good and honorable death because he died bravely in battle. As they speak Macduff approaches with Macbeth's head.

Macduff hails Malcolm as the king of Scotland, and all the lords cheer their rightful king. Malcolm grants the title of earl to all of the lords who were loyal to him while Macbeth ruled. Now that Macbeth has been killed and his wife has killed herself, Malcolm says that he will call back to Scotland those who fled while Macbeth was ruler. So begins Malcolm's reign.

Topic Tracking: Betrayal 10