Which emotion or attitude does Lady Macbeth display in her sleepwalking scene in The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act V? Explain your answer.a. lust for powerb. hatred of Macbethc. guilt for her crimes d. a desire for revenge against her enemies
Lady Macbeth displays guilt for her crimes. While sleepwalking, she imagines blood on her hands and repeatedly tries to wash it away, saying, “Out, damned spot!” Her words show that she is tormented by the murders and cannot escape her guilt.
What does the sleepwalking scene in The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act V, suggest about customs and practices of the past? Explain why each choice is right or wrong.a. Medical knowledge of mental disorders was far more limited than it is today.b. People in the Middle Ages were more prone to sleepwalking than they are today.c. People in Shakespeare’s time knew nothing of emotional distress.d. In the past, servants often knew more about medicine than doctors did.
The best choice is a. The doctor recognizes that Lady Macbeth is deeply troubled, but he cannot provide a medical cure, suggesting that knowledge and treatment of mental disorders were limited compared with today. Choice b is incorrect because the scene gives no evidence that people in the Middle Ages were more prone to sleepwalking. Choice c is incorrect because the characters recognize that Lady Macbeth is suffering emotionally, even if their understanding is limited. Choice d is incorrect because the scene does not show that servants knew more about medicine than doctors; the doctor is consulted, though he cannot cure her.
As the tragedy moves to a climax in The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act V, how would you describe Macbeth’s behavior? Cite examples to help you explain your answer.a. courageousb. cowardlyc. wise d. pious
Macbeth behaves courageously as the tragedy reaches its climax. Even after learning that Macduff was “from his mother’s womb untimely ripped,” Macbeth refuses to surrender and insists that he will fight to the end. He faces Macduff in combat rather than fleeing, although his courage is mixed with stubbornness and the consequences of his ambition.
From the battles in The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act V, what can you conclude about warfare in Macbeth’s day? Explain why each choice seems correct or incorrect.a. Soldiers never faced each other one on one.b. All fighting was done in the open, and the concept of camouflage was unknown.c. The telephone and telegraph were the chief means of sending messages.d. Swords were among the weapons used in close combat.
The best choice is d: swords were among the weapons used in close combat. The battle scenes include Macbeth and Macduff fighting face to face. Choice a is incorrect because the play does show one-on-one combat. Choice b is not supported: the play does not establish that all fighting took place in the open or that camouflage was unknown. Choice c is incorrect because telephones and telegraphs did not exist in Macbeth’s time; messages were delivered by people, such as messengers.
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In their essays, students should apply the remark to both Lady Macbeth’s condition and to the situation of Macbeth’s realm. For example, in discussing Lady Macbeth, they might feel that her murderous deeds and cold-blooded attitude are unnatural and so produce her unnatural waking sleep. As far as the condition in Macbeth’s realm is concerned, students might say that the unnatural murder of Duncan and the unnatural succession of Macbeth to the throne can only be followed by further unnatural acts of tyranny.
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