Lecture Notes on Act V, Scene I of Macbeth

Scene Summary

• Setting: Dunsinane, ante-room in the castle.
• Characters Present: Doctor, Gentlewoman, Lady Macbeth.

Key Points

• The Doctor and Gentlewoman discuss Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking.

  • Lady Macbeth has been sleepwalking and performing actions like writing and sealing letters.
  • She speaks in her sleep, revealing her guilt and torment.
  • Lady Macbeth tries to wash imaginary blood spots from her hands, indicating her guilt over the murders.

• Lady Macbeth's Dialogue:

  • She talks about the murders, expressing regret and fear.
  • Mentions "out, damned spot!" highlighting her obsession with guilt.
  • "The Thane of Fife had a wife. Where is she now?" reflects her awareness of the consequences of her actions.
  • "All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand." shows her realization that she can never be free of her guilt.

Doctor and Gentlewoman's Observations

• Gentlewoman refuses to share Lady Macbeth’s words as there is no witness to confirm them.
• Doctor notes that Lady Macbeth needs spiritual help more than medical treatment ("More needs she the divine than the physician").
• Doctor advises to remove anything she might use to harm herself.