Waiting Gentlewoman

[This is an annotated list of all appearances and all mentions of the Waiting Gentlewoman.]



Patricia Mason as the Waiting Gentlewoman

1971 film: The Tragedy of Macbeth


At the request of Lady Macbeth's waiting gentlewoman, a Scottish doctor has stayed up for two nights in a row to observe Lady Macbeth, but has seen nothing. He complains, "I have two nights watched with you, but can perceive no truth in your report. When was it she last walked?" (5.1.1-2). The gentlewoman then tells the doctor about Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking, but when he asks what the lady has said, the gentlewoman refuses to say, because the lady has revealed things that are dangerous to know. Soon enough, however, they see Lady Macbeth walk in her sleep, and hear her say things that indicate that she was an accomplice in the murder of King Duncan. However, the doctor can do nothing except take notes and advise the waiting gentlewoman to make sure that Lady Macbeth doesn't harm herself.      [Detailed Scene Summary]