# Scene I explained — Macbeth

> Chapter companion for Macbeth by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Lady Macbeth is observed by a doctor and a gentlewoman as she sleepwalks, compulsively trying to wash imaginary blood from her hands and revealing her guilt over the murders of Duncan, Banquo, and Lady Macduff.

## Themes in this chapter

### Guilt and Conscience

Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking and obsessive hand-washing reveal her overwhelming guilt for the murders she helped orchestrate.

### Sleep and Restlessness

Lady Macbeth, who once urged Macbeth to 'sleep no more,' now cannot find rest herself, tormented by her conscience.

## Character check-ins

### Lady Macbeth

Observed sleepwalking, obsessively washing her hands, and muttering about the murders of Duncan, Banquo, and Lady Macduff.

### Doctor

Watches Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking, notes her unnatural troubles, and concludes she needs divine help more than a physician.

### Gentlewoman

Reports Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking habits and refuses to repeat what she has heard without a witness.

## Key lines

> Out, damned spot! out, I say!

Get out, cursed stain! Get out, I command you!

_Lady Macbeth imagines blood on her hands that she cannot wash away, symbolizing her guilt._

> What's done cannot be undone.

What has been done cannot be reversed.

_Lady Macbeth acknowledges the permanence of her actions, reflecting her despair._

> All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand.

Even all the fragrances of Arabia cannot make this small hand smell clean.

_Lady Macbeth feels that no amount of luxury or effort can cleanse her of her guilt._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/macbeth_se/chapters/act-v-scene-i
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/macbeth_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/macbeth_se/chapters