Read the excerpt from act 5, scene 1 of The Tragedy of Macbeth . The doctor and a gentlewoman are discussing Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking. A new stage direction has been added to describe the doctor’s actions. Doctor: I have two nights watched with you, but can perceive no truth in your report. When was it she last walked? Gentlewoman: Since his majesty went into the field, I have seen her rise from her bed, throw her night-gown upon her, unlock her closet, take forth paper, fold it, write upon’t, read it, afterwards seal it, and again return to bed; yet all this while in a most fast sleep. Doctor: [ Looking pensive and writing on a notepad . ] A great perturbation in nature, to receive at once the benefit of sleep, and do the effects of watching! In this slumbery agitation, besides her walking and other actual performances, what, at any time, have you heard her say? What does the stage direction most reveal about the doctor?
Answer
A
The doctor is skeptical that Lady Macbeth is unwell.
B
The doctor is doubtful that the gentlewoman has seen what she claims.
C
The doctor is concerned about misinterpreting the gentlewoman’s words.
D
The doctor is committed to understanding Lady Macbeth’s condition.
Explanation
The doctor is watching Lady Macbeth’s behavior and asking the gentlewoman for more details about what she says while sleepwalking. The stage direction that he looks pensive and writes notes suggests he is carefully studying her condition, not dismissing her illness or doubting the witness. Therefore, the doctor is committed to understanding Lady Macbeth’s condition.
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