Act 5, Scene 8 Summary

Macbeth will not to fall upon his sword like the ancient Caesars, but fight to the death. When Macduff enters, he has his opportunity. But when he tells Macduff the prophesy about how he cannot be killed by a man born of woman, Macduff tells him how he was ripped out of his mother womb- so he was not born in a natural way, thereby fulfilling the prophecy. Macbeth wishes to yield, but Macduff mocks him, calling him coward and threatening to "paint" him on a pole, with a sign below saying "Here you may see the tyrant." Macbeth throws down his shield and battles him with complete abandon. They exit, fighting. Malcolm, Siward, Ross and others enter with the Soldiers. Macduff is missing and so is Siward's son. Ross tells General Siward his son died nobly and Siward, though greatly...