Page "Macbeth" Paragraph 39

A battle culminates in the slaying of the young Siward and Macduff's confrontation with Macbeth, and the English forces overwhelm his army and castle.

Macbeth boasts that he has no reason to fear Macduff, for he cannot be killed by any man born of woman.

Macduff declares that he was " from his mother's womb / Untimely ripp'd " ( 5. 8. 15 – 16 ), ( i. e., born by Caesarean section ) and was not " of woman born " ( an example of a literary quibble ), fulfilling the second prophecy.

Macbeth realizes too late that he has misinterpreted the witches ' words.

Though he realizes that he is doomed, he continues to fight.

Macduff kills and beheads him, thus fulfilling the first part of the prophecy.