Macbeth: A Plain and Simple Modern Translation, with the Original Version

Macbeth is one of Shakespeare's most famous plays. It is a tragedy about a Scottish nobleman who is driven to murder by his ambition. The play is full of suspense, violence, and supernatural elements.

Macbeth In Plain and Simple English (A Modern Translation and the Original Version) (Classics Retold: 4)

by William Shakespeare

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2141 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	141 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

This modern translation of Macbeth is designed to make the play more accessible to modern readers. The language has been simplified, and the stage directions have been clarified. However, the original text has been preserved as much as possible, so that readers can still experience the power and beauty of Shakespeare's language.

Act 1

The play opens on a stormy night. Three witches meet on a heath and plot to destroy Macbeth. They know that he is a brave and ambitious man, and they believe that he can be used to further their own evil plans.

Macbeth and his friend Banquo are returning from a battle when they encounter the witches. The witches tell Macbeth that he will one day be king. Macbeth is ambitious, and he is tempted by the witches' prophecy. However, Banquo is more cautious, and he warns Macbeth that the witches may be trying to deceive him.

Macbeth and Banquo go to the castle of King Duncan, where they are welcomed as heroes. However, Lady Macbeth, Macbeth's wife, is ambitious for her husband. She persuades him to murder King Duncan so that Macbeth can become king.

Act 2

Macbeth murders King Duncan and becomes king. However, he is haunted by guilt and paranoia. He sees the ghost of King Duncan, and he begins to fear for his own life.

Lady Macbeth tries to help her husband, but she is also becoming increasingly paranoid. She sleepwalks and talks in her sleep, revealing her guilt and madness.

Act 3

Macbeth returns to the witches for advice. The witches tell him that he must kill Banquo and his son Fleance in order to secure his throne. Macbeth has Banquo murdered, but Fleance escapes.

Macbeth is now completely mad. He sees visions of the witches, and he becomes increasingly violent and cruel.

Act 4

Macbeth's reign of terror continues. He has many of his own people killed, and he becomes isolated and lonely.

Macduff, a Scottish nobleman, learns of Macbeth's crimes. He raises an army and marches against Macbeth.

Act 5

Macbeth and Macduff meet in battle. Macbeth is defeated and killed. Macduff takes Macbeth's head and presents it to Malcolm, King Duncan's son.

The play ends with Malcolm becoming king of Scotland. He restores order and peace to the kingdom.

Original and Modern Versions

Below is a table of excerpts from the original and modern versions of Macbeth.

As you can see, the modern version of Macbeth is much easier to understand than the original version. However, the original version has a beauty and power that is unmatched by the modern version.

I encourage you to read both versions of Macbeth. The modern version will help you to understand the plot and characters, while the original version will give you a taste of Shakespeare's genius.

Macbeth In Plain and Simple English (A Modern Translation and the Original Version) (Classics Retold: 4)

by William Shakespeare

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2141 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	141 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE