The False Marriage and the Ghosts

This flow follows Macbett’s staged marriage, the apparitions that interrupt his triumph, and Lady Duncan’s return to expose the fraud.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Marriage Celebrated

A Marriage Celebrated Public Acclaim The crowd celebrates Macbett and the woman presented as Lady Duncan as ruler and bride. Legitimacy Manufactured Marriage and coronation make the new regime appear settled before the deception is revealed.

The Feast Begins

The Feast Begins Royal Confidence Macbett welcomes guests and speaks of friendship, prosperity, and the comfort of power. Unease Beneath Ceremony His response to Duncan’s portrait suggests that his new position cannot quiet his suspicion.

Banco’s Ghost

Banco’s Ghost Accusation Returns Banco appears and calls Macbett a traitor, swindler, and murderer. Denial as Defense Macbett insists that the apparition is only a ghost, but its accusation brings the crime back into his celebration.

Duncan’s Apparition

Duncan’s Apparition The Old King Returns Duncan appears on the throne and challenges Macbett’s claim that he stole Lady Duncan. Reality Becomes Unstable Macbett dismisses the dead ruler as a ghost, but the exchange exposes the regime’s unresolved guilt.

The Real Lady Duncan

The Real Lady Duncan Imposture Exposed Lady Duncan returns from imprisonment and says that a sorceress borrowed her face and married Macbett. Political Collapse Begins She rejects the usurper and announces Macol’s return, converting private deception into a public crisis.

After Duncan’s assassination

On the evening of Macbett’s coronation

During the wedding feast

Immediately after Banco disappears

At the end of the feast sequence