Final answer:
The rituals of Lady Macbeth's disorder involve her fierce attempts at control and her descent into guilt-ridden madness, showcased through hand-washing and sleepwalking as she struggles with the aftermath of regicide.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rituals of Lady Macbeth's disorder are central to Shakespeare's play, 'Macbeth', as they display her mental deterioration and the way she copes with the guilt and paranoia that stem from her involvement in King Duncan's murder. Initially, she is a strong, manipulative figure who pushes Macbeth to commit regicide. Post-murder, she is seen obsessing over cleanliness, indicated by her constant hand-washing to rid herself of the blood—or guilt—she figuratively cannot remove, saying, 'Out, spot! Out, I say!' This is symbolic of her inability to escape the consequences of her and Macbeth's actions. Moreover, her attempt to solidify both her and her husband's courage, by claiming they will not fail if they ' your courage to the sticking-place', further displays her ritualistic attempts to control the outcomes of their deceit. However, as the play progresses, her initial steadiness crumbles, culminating in sleepwalking scenes where she relives the murder and tries to wash away the blood that is no longer there.