Question

How does Lady Macbeth attempt to force Macbeth to regain his composure? Cite specific lines from the scene to support your answer.

Answer 1

Lady Macbeth attempts to force Macbeth to regain his composure by chastising him for his lack of control and urging him to conceal his feelings. This occurs in Act 3, Scene 4 of Shakespeare's "Macbeth" after Macbeth sees the ghost of Banquo during a banquet.

In response to Macbeth's visible distress at seeing Banquo's ghost, Lady Macbeth tries to mitigate the situation by addressing the guests and reprimanding Macbeth:

"O, proper stuff! This is the very painting of your fear.

This is the air-drawn dagger which you said

Led you to Duncan. O, these flaws and starts,

Impostors to true fear, would well become

A woman's story at a winter's fire,

Authorized by her grandam. Shame itself!

Why do you make such faces? When all's done,

You look but on a stool."

In these lines, Lady Macbeth is essentially accusing Macbeth of displaying fear and weakness in front of their guests. She dismisses his emotional reaction as a mere illusion or figment of his imagination. Lady Macbeth is desperately trying to control the situation, maintaining appearances and preventing any suspicion about their involvement in Banquo's murder.

Answer 2

Lady Macbeth attempts to force Macbeth to regain his composure by challenging his masculinity and daring him to live up to his desires. She uses manipulation and guilt to persuade him to carry out the murder of Duncan.

Step-by-step explanation:

Lady Macbeth attempts to force Macbeth to regain his composure by challenging his masculinity and daring him to live up to his desires. She uses manipulation and guilt to persuade him to carry out the murder of Duncan. For example, she questions his love for her and accuses him of being a coward. She also reassures him that they will not fail and offers to take care of the details.

• Lady Macbeth: 'Go get some water, And wash this filthy witness from your hand... Why did you bring these daggers from the place? They must lie there: go carry them; and smear The sleepy grooms with blood.' (Act 2, Scene 2)
• Lady Macbeth: 'But your courage to the sticking-place, And we'll not fail. When Duncan is asleep... What cannot you and I perform upon The unguarded Duncan?... Of our great quell?' (Act 1, Scene 7)
• Lady Macbeth: 'Was the hope Wherein you dress'd yourself?... Wouldst thou have that Which thou esteem'st the ornament of life, And live a coward in thine own esteem... Like the poor cat i' the adage?' (Act 1, Scene 7)