Lady Macbeth: 5 versions of the sleepwalking scene

Summary

This dramatic script excerpt, rich with tension and guilt, seems to be from Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'. It centers around Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking scene, where she obsessively tries to wash imaginary bloodstains from her hands, revealing her inner turmoil and the psychological impact of the murder she and her husband committed. The haunting repetition of 'out, damned spot' and the mention of 'Thane of Fife' underscore the play's themes of power, ambition, and the consequences of one's actions.

Takeaways

• 😨 The script is a dramatic monologue from a character who is deeply troubled by guilt and fear, possibly after committing a violent act.
• 💧 There is a recurring theme of blood and the inability to cleanse oneself from it, symbolizing an irreversible deed.
• 👵 The character mentions an 'old man' and his wife, suggesting a murder has taken place, with the old man being a significant victim.
• 🛌 The script includes references to sleep and sleepwalking, hinting at a character's subconscious guilt manifesting in their actions.
• 🤲 The act of washing hands is repeated, indicating a futile attempt to cleanse oneself from the guilt of a crime.
• 🏰 There is mention of a 'gate' and 'knocking,' which could symbolize a barrier between the conscious and subconscious mind or a desire to escape.
• 👻 The presence of a supernatural or psychological element is suggested, with characters speaking of things unseen or unheard by others.
• 👑 The script seems to involve themes of power, ambition, and the consequences of pursuing them at any cost.
• 🕊️ The 'perfumes of Arabia' are mentioned as unable to sweeten the air, suggesting that no amount of luxury or beauty can cover up the stench of guilt.
• 👣 The character speaks of a 'spot' that cannot be removed, which could be a metaphor for an indelible mark left by a terrible act.
• 📜 The monologue has a poetic quality, with repetition and rhythmic speech that conveys a sense of madness or obsession.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the script?

The central theme of the script revolves around guilt, fear, and the consequences of a violent act, which is likely a murder, as suggested by the recurring motif of blood and the inability to cleanse oneself of it.

Who is the 'old man' mentioned in the script?

The 'old man' is not explicitly identified in the provided transcript, but from the context, it can be inferred that he is a character who was murdered, and the speaker is surprised by the amount of blood he had.

What does the phrase 'all the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand' suggest?

This phrase suggests that no matter how much one tries to cover up or cleanse themselves from a wrongdoing, the guilt or the stain of the act cannot be completely erased.

What is the significance of the word 'murky' in the script?

The word 'murky' is used to describe the state of hell, indicating a sense of confusion, darkness, or moral ambiguity that the characters are dealing with.

What is the role of the character who is washing their hands?

The character washing their hands is likely Lady Macbeth from Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', symbolizing her attempt to cleanse herself of guilt from the murder of King Duncan.

What does the line 'what's done cannot be undone' imply?

This line implies the irreversible nature of the actions taken, suggesting that once a deed is done, especially one of a grave nature, it cannot be taken back or erased.

Why does the character mention 'Thane of Fife'?

The 'Thane of Fife' is a title held by Macbeth in Shakespeare's play. Mentioning it here could be a reference to Macbeth's rise to power through murder and the subsequent guilt and fear that follow.

What is the significance of the knocking at the gate?

The knocking at the gate could symbolize the characters' fear of being discovered for their crimes, or it could be a metaphor for the relentless pursuit of guilt and conscience.

How does the script use the motif of sleep and dreams?

The script uses sleep and dreams to illustrate the psychological impact of the characters' actions, suggesting that their guilt haunts them even in their subconscious state.

What is the role of the character who speaks about 'the heart being sorely charged'?

This character is likely expressing the heavy burden of guilt and the emotional turmoil that comes with it, indicating that the act of murder has had a profound effect on their psyche.

What does the repetition of 'to bed' signify?

The repetition of 'to bed' could signify an attempt to escape from reality and the guilt associated with their actions, as sleep often serves as a temporary respite from the troubles of the waking world.

Outlines

00:00

😨 Guilt and Bloodstains

This paragraph depicts a scene of guilt and horror. The speaker is haunted by the aftermath of a violent act, as indicated by the recurring theme of blood and the inability to cleanse their hands. The mention of 'the old man' and his wife suggests a murder has taken place, and the speaker is deeply troubled by the consequences of their actions. The presence of a 'spot' that cannot be washed away symbolizes the indelible guilt they carry. The script also includes a reference to Lady Macbeth, who is seen rubbing her hands in a futile attempt to cleanse herself, further emphasizing the psychological torment of the characters.

05:07

🤔 Reflections on a Tragic Act

In this paragraph, the speaker is reflecting on the unforeseen consequences of their actions. The phrase 'who would have thought the old man had so much blood in him' indicates surprise at the amount of violence that occurred. The speaker is also grappling with the moral implications of their deeds, as they question the cleanliness of their hands and the lingering smell of blood. The mention of 'the perfumes of Arabia' failing to sweeten the situation highlights the futility of trying to cover up the crime. The paragraph ends with a sense of urgency to move on from the deed, as the speaker is aware that they cannot change what has been done.

10:07

😰 The Burden of Guilt

This paragraph delves deeper into the psychological impact of the characters' actions. The speaker acknowledges the weight of their guilt, as they express a desire not to carry such a burden. The reference to 'the heart is sorely charged' suggests a heavy emotional toll. The mention of 'walking in their sleep' and 'dying holy in their beds' could be allusions to the characters' disturbed state of mind and the impossibility of redemption. The paragraph also includes a call to action, urging the characters to 'wash their hands' and 'put on their nightgown,' which may symbolize an attempt to return to normalcy despite the turmoil within.

15:09

😖 The Haunting Presence of Blood

The fourth paragraph continues the theme of guilt and the persistent presence of blood as a symbol of the characters' deeds. The speaker is tormented by the memory of the blood and the inability to cleanse themselves of it. The mention of 'Banquo's buried' and the impossibility of him coming out of his grave adds a layer of supernatural fear and guilt. The paragraph also includes a description of Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking and her ritualistic hand-washing, which underscores the psychological impact of the crime and the characters' desperate attempts to cope with their guilt.

20:10

😔 The Inescapable Guilt

The final paragraph reinforces the idea that the characters are trapped by their guilt. The speaker expresses a desire to escape the burden of their heart, which is 'sorely charged' with the weight of their actions. The paragraph also includes a reference to the supernatural, with the mention of 'walking in their sleep' and 'dying holy in their beds,' suggesting that even in death, the characters may not find peace. The speaker's insistence on the futility of trying to undo what has been done, 'what's done cannot be undone,' serves as a reminder of the irreversible nature of their actions and the lasting impact of their guilt.

Keywords

💡Murky

The term 'murky' refers to something that is dark, unclear, or difficult to understand. In the context of the video, it is used to describe 'hell' as a place that is obscure and frightening. This sets a dark and mysterious tone for the theme of the video, which seems to revolve around guilt, fear, and the supernatural. For example, 'hell is murky' is used to convey the uncertainty and dread associated with the afterlife or consequences of one's actions.

💡Blood

Blood is a recurring motif in the script, symbolizing violence, guilt, and the irreversible nature of certain actions. It is mentioned in various contexts, such as 'the old man to have had so much blood in him,' indicating a violent act that has taken place. The persistence of the bloodstain, despite attempts to wash it away, reflects the inescapable guilt that haunts the characters.

💡Fear

Fear is a central emotion in the script, driving the characters' actions and decisions. It is often linked with the awareness of one's power and the potential consequences of using it. For instance, 'what need we fear who knows it, when none can call our power to account' suggests a fear of being judged for one's actions, yet also an acknowledgment of the characters' unchecked authority.

💡Power

Power is a concept that is closely tied to the characters' sense of control and influence over their circumstances. It is often juxtaposed with fear, as in the phrase 'what need we fear who knows it, when none can call our power to account.' This suggests that the characters believe they are above judgment or consequence due to their positions of power.

💡Clean

The word 'clean' is repeatedly used in the context of washing hands, symbolizing the futile attempt to cleanse oneself of guilt or sin. 'Will these hands ne'er be clean?' is a rhetorical question that highlights the enduring nature of guilt, especially after committing a morally reprehensible act.

💡Nightgown

A nightgown is a garment traditionally worn during sleep. In the script, 'put on your nightgown' serves as a directive to return to a state of normalcy or rest, contrasting with the turmoil and guilt the characters are experiencing. It underscores the dissonance between the outward appearance of calm and the internal state of distress.

💡Spot

The 'spot' is a recurring image in the script, representing a stain or blemish that cannot be removed, much like the bloodstain on one's hands. It is used metaphorically to describe the indelible mark of guilt, as in 'here's a spot,' indicating the presence of an issue that cannot be ignored or cleansed.

💡Unicorn

The mention of a unicorn is likely a typographical error in the transcript, as it does not fit the context of the script. However, if it were to be included, a unicorn is a mythical creature often symbolizing purity and innocence, which could provide a stark contrast to the themes of guilt and violence present in the video.

💡Perfumes of Arabia

The 'perfumes of Arabia' are mentioned in the context of their inability to mask the smell of blood. This phrase evokes a sense of exotic luxury but also highlights the futility of trying to cover up the evidence of a crime or moral transgression with superficial means.

💡Dignity

Dignity refers to the state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect. In the script, 'for the dignity of the whole body' suggests a concern for maintaining a respectable appearance or reputation, despite the internal turmoil or guilt that the characters may be experiencing.

💡Undone

The term 'undone' is used to convey the irreversible nature of certain actions or decisions. 'What's done cannot be undone' is a phrase that emphasizes the permanence of consequences and the impossibility of returning to a previous state, which is a central theme in the video's narrative.

Highlights

The theme of power and its consequences is introduced with the line 'What need we fear who knows it, when none can call our power to account?'

The violent act of Macbeth is referenced: 'Thane of Fife had a wife, where is she now?'

The psychological impact of guilt is depicted through the character's obsession with cleanliness: 'Will these hands ne'er be clean?'

The famous line 'Out, damned spot! Out, I say!' illustrates the character's struggle with guilt and remorse.

The character's attempt to rationalize their actions is shown: 'What's done cannot be undone.'

The supernatural element is introduced with the line 'Here she comes, and upon my life, fast asleep.'

The character's fear of discovery is evident: 'She has spoke what she should not.'

The character's internal conflict is highlighted: 'The heart is sorely charged.'

The character's concern for their reputation is expressed: 'For the dignity of the whole body.'

The character's attempt to maintain composure: 'Wash your hands, put on your nightgown, look not so pale.'

The character's realization of the irreversible nature of their actions: 'What's done cannot be undone.'

The character's fear of the supernatural is shown: 'Banquo's buried; he cannot come out on his grave.'

The character's paranoia is evident in the line 'There's knocking at the gate.'

The character's struggle with reality and hallucinations is depicted: 'Her eyes are open, but their sense is shut.'

The character's repetition of actions as a coping mechanism: 'Look how she rubs her hands.'

The character's acknowledgment of the futility of their actions: 'All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand.'

The character's final acceptance of their fate: 'To bed, to bed, to bed.'

Transcripts

[Music]

spot

out i say

hell is murky

fine my

lord fire

soldier and feared

what need we fear who knows it

when none can call our power to account

yet who would have thought the old man

to have had so much blood in him

thane of five

had a wife

where is she

what

will these hands now be clean

no more of that my lord

no more than

you are all with the starting

here's the smell of the blood still

all the perfumes of arabia will not

sweeten this little hat

wash your hands

put on your nightgown

look not so pale

too bad

too bad

cover

come come give me your hand

what's done cannot be undone

too bad

to bed

[Music]

to bed

[Music]

[Music]

[Music]

to bed

[Music]

here she comes

and upon my life

fast asleep

how came she by that light she has

shut

yet

here's a spot

look how she rubs her hands

using the custom dungeon with her to

sing us washing her hands

out

one

to

i lent his

time to do it

hell

is murky

yes

who would have thought the old man

to have had so much blood in him

the thing

of fight

[Music]

where is she now

what

these hands

never be clean

no more of that lord

no more of that your moral with a

starting

go to go to

you have known what you should not she

has spoke what she should not

i'm sure of that

yet

here's the smell of the blood still

oh

the perfumes

of arabia

will not

sweeten

this

little hat

[Music]

the heart

is sorely charged

i would not have such a heart in my

bosom

for the dignity of the whole body

wash your hands

put on your nightgown

look not so pale

i tell you yet again

man cause

birds he cannot come out on his grave

there's knocking

at the gate

to bed

to

bed come

come

come

come give me your hand

what's done

cannot be undone

stupid

ah

you see

her eyes are open

hi

defense is shut

look what she does now

see how she rubs her hands

it is an accustomed action but it seems

washing her hands i have known her to

continue in this a quarter of an hour

and here's a spot

she speaks

i will set down what comes from her to

satisfy my remembrance the more strongly

how

them spots

out i say

is murky

i my lord fi

a soldier in the field

what need we fear who knows it

when none can call our power to account

yet who would have thought the old man

to have had

so much blood in him

saying five had a wife

where is she now

[Music]

heart will these hands near be clean

no more of that my lord

now more of that

you are all with this starting

what you should not

spoken what she should not i'm sure of

that heaven knows what she's known

is the smell of blood still

all the perfumes of arabia

will not sweeten this little hands

[Music]

oh

the size there the heart is sorely

charged i would not have such a heart in

my bosom of the dignity of the whole

body

this disease is beyond my practice

yet i have known those which

walked in their sleep or died holy in

their babies

wash your hands

put on your nightgown

look not so pale

i tell you yet again

van rosberry

he cannot come out on the grave

there's knocking at the gate

come

come come

your um

what's done

cannot be undone

to bed

this is

what any time you heard her say that sir

which i will not report after her

you made her doctor

this must meet you should neither you

know anyone

having no witness to confirm my speech

her eyes are open hi but their sense is

shut

what is it she does now it is in the

custom direction with her to see that's

washing her hands

yet here's a spot

out

one

two

why then it's time to do it

that lives murky

fine my lord fire

i sold you in a feared

what need we fear who knows it when none

can call our power to account

you'd have thought the old man to have

so much blood in him

well well well

thane of fife had a wife

where is she now

what will these hands near be clean

no more of that my lord no more of that

you are always starting go to go to

you have known what you should not she

has spoke what she should not i am sure

of that

it is a smell of blood still

all the perfumes of arabia will not

sweeten this little hand

[Music]

what a size there

how does song get charged

where's your hands

put on your nightgown

look not so pale

i tell you yet again bank was bearish he

cannot come out of his grave

even sir

to bed

to bed

cannot be undone

hello you here she comes

this is her very guys

and upon my life

fast asleep

[Music]

you see her eyes are open hi but their

scents are shut

what is it she does now

look how she rubs her hands it is an

accustomed action with her to seem thus

washing her hands

i have known her continue in this a

quarter of an hour

i said

one two

what then

it's time to do it

hell

is murky

by my lord vi

a soldier and feared

what need we fear who knows it

when none can call our power to a cult

yet who would have thought the old man

to have had so much

blood in him do you mark that the same

if i've had a wife where is she now

what

will these hands never clean

no more of that my lord no more of that

you are all with this starting

you too

so too you have known what you should

not

she has spoke what she should not i'm

sure of that

heaven knows what she has known

here's the smell of the blood

still

all the perfumes of arabia

will not sweeten

this

little

hand

[Music]

oh

[Music]

the heart is solely charged

i would not have such a heart in my

bosom for the dignity of the whole body

well

well well this

disease is beyond my practice

yet i have known those which have walked

in their sleep who have died holiday in

their beds wash your hands

put on your nightgown look not so pale

i tell you yet again banquo's buried he

cannot come out on his grave

too bad

there's looking at the gate come come

come come

what's done

cannot be

undone

to bear

the best

directly

you