Macbeth by William Shakespeare is one of the most famous tragedies in English literature. First performed in the early 17th century, the play follows the ambitious Scottish nobleman Macbeth, who, driven by prophecy and his wife’s persuasion, murders King Duncan to seize the throne. As Macbeth’s paranoia grows, he descends into tyranny, committing more crimes to secure his rule, leading to his ultimate downfall.

The play explores deep themes of ambition, fate, guilt, and the psychological effects of unchecked power. With its dark and supernatural elements—such as the witches’ prophecies and ghostly apparitions—Macbeth remains one of Shakespeare’s most gripping and haunting works. Its dramatic intensity, poetic brilliance, and complex characters make it an enduring masterpiece studied and performed worldwide.