Question

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

A. She scolds him for weakness; "What, quite unmanned in folly?"
B. She advises him to leave the feast; "This is the very painting of your fear."
C. She threatens to expose their guilt; "Are you a man?"
D. She apologizes for his behavior; "My lord, you do not give the cheer."

Answer 1

Lady Macbeth uses several methods to help Macbeth regain composure, including questioning his manhood, downplaying his hallucinations, and instructing him to wash off the evidence of their crime.

Step-by-step explanation:

Lady Macbeth employs various tactics to restore Macbeth's composure after he has committed regicide. In one instance, she chides his fears of being discovered by questioning his manhood with the line, "Are you a man?" as she presses him to confront his actions (Act 3, Scene 4). Furthermore, she diminishes his hallucinations and unease by suggesting that his fears are unwarranted with the quote, "This is the very painting of your fear." Lady Macbeth also attempts to contain the situation by instructing him to wash his hands of the incriminating blood, with the line, "Go get some water, And wash this filthy witness from your hand." Her interventions are directed towards preserving their facade and maintaining control over the ascent to power they have bloodied their hands for.