epression will eventually drive her to hysterical dissociation.Now that the regicide has been executed, Lady Macbeth has time to brood over her actions. She becomes consumed with thoughts of her nefarious deed. She loses almost all of her ambition and becomes utterly depressed. It is apparent that Lady Macbeth knows her life will never be pleasant again. She states:Nought’s had, all’s spent, Where our desire is got without content:‘Tis safer to be that which we destroyThan by destruction dwell in doubtful joy. (III. ii. 4-7)These words expose her melancholy and foreshadow her denouement (Coriat 221).The relationship between Macbeth and his despairing wife has disintegrated. He has stopped confiding in her about his plans. From this point on, Lady Macbeth takes no part in the future violence that Macbeth inflicts (Jameson 192). In their dialogue prior to the banquet, Lady Macbeth inquires about Macbeth’s plans, but he avoids answering her question by telling her to: “Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck, / Till thou applaud the deed” (III. ii. 45-46). Macbeth’s lack of confidence in his ill-fated wife deepens her anguish (Jameson 193).Nevertheless, Lady Macbeth expends one last effort to save their dire situation. In the banquet scene that follows, the proud woman attempts to control the chaos her husband creates when he has hallucinations of Banquo’s ghost. She distracts the guests and tries to talk sense into Macbeth. She scolds him by saying: “You have displaced the mirth, broke the good meeting, / With most admired disorder” (III. iv. 110-111). When she sees no hope for saving the night, Lady Macbeth does not hesitate to find a pretext for dismissing the guests. This is her final act of control and sanity (Freud 223).The sleep-walking scene marks Lady Macbeth’s final appearance in the play. This scene evinces the logical evolution of Lady Macb...
