Macbeth
Macbeth is the shortest of Shakespeare's tragedies and the fastest. Returning from battle, the Scottish general meets three witches who tell him he will be king; his wife seizes on the prophecy, and together they murder Duncan while he sleeps under their roof. The crown brings more murders, Banquo's ghost at the feast, a sleepwalking queen and a kingdom in terror, until the prophecies turn and Macduff and Malcolm come with an English army. Written around 1606, probably for James I, the play is dense with darkness, blood and the language of time and sleep. Lady Macbeth's invocation of the spirits and Macbeth's "tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow" are among the most quoted speeches in English. It is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, with the first act free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about Macbeth
Macbeth by William Shakespeare can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read Macbeth online?
Yes. Macbeth opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is Macbeth free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of Macbeth is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is Macbeth in the public domain?
Yes. Macbeth by William Shakespeare is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read Macbeth?
About 1 h 13 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is Macbeth?
Macbeth by William Shakespeare is filed under "Drama" in the Vinteuil library.
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