Macbeth, Act 5, Scene 1 summary
Act 5, Scene 1 of 28 · 3 min to read the scene
In Act 5, Scene 1, a doctor and a gentlewoman watch Lady Macbeth walk in her sleep, rub her hands, and speak about blood and deaths. Her words expose disturbing secrets, and the doctor declares that she needs spiritual help rather than his treatment, ordering close watching and protection from self-harm.
What happens
- The gentlewoman describes Lady Macbeth writing and sealing papers while asleep, but refuses to repeat her words without a witness.
- Lady Macbeth enters with a candle and rubs her hands as though washing them.
- She speaks about blood, an old man, the wife of the Thane of Fife, and Banquo’s burial.
- The doctor admits that her illness exceeds his skill as she urges an unseen companion to bed.
- After she leaves, the doctor recommends a priest and orders the gentlewoman to watch her and remove possible means of self-harm.
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In this scene
What to notice
Lady Macbeth’s statement stresses that past actions cannot be reversed. It accompanies repeated attempts to clean her hands and her urgent calls to return to bed.
Quick check
What does the doctor instruct the gentlewoman to do after Lady Macbeth leaves?
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