Alas, how is't with you, that you do bend your eye on vacancy, and with the incorporal air do hold discourse?

Alas, how is't with you, that you do bend your eye on vacancy, and with the incorporal air do hold discourse?

In William Shakespeare's play, Macbeth, the line "Alas, how is't with you, that you do bend your eye on vacancy, and with the incorporal air do hold discourse?" is spoken by Lady Macbeth to her husband, Macbeth. This line is a reflection of Lady Macbeth's concern for her husband's mental state as he becomes increasingly consumed by his ambition and guilt.

Lady Macbeth's words convey her worry that Macbeth is losing touch with reality and becoming disconnected from the world around him. She observes that he is staring off into nothingness, engaging in conversations with invisible beings, and generally behaving in a way that suggests he is not fully present in the moment. This behavior is a clear indication of Macbeth's deteriorating mental state, as he grapples with the consequences of his actions and the weight of his guilt.

The use of the term "vacancy" in this line is particularly poignant, as it suggests a sense of emptiness and absence in Macbeth's gaze. Lady Macbeth is troubled by the fact that her husband seems to be lost in his own thoughts, detached from the world and the people around him. She is concerned that he is becoming isolated and withdrawn, unable to connect with others or find solace in their presence.

The reference to "the incorporal air" further emphasizes the ethereal and intangible nature of Macbeth's conversations. Lady Macbeth is disturbed by the fact that her husband is speaking to unseen entities, engaging in dialogues that are not rooted in reality. This behavior is a clear sign of Macbeth's descent into madness, as he becomes increasingly delusional and disconnected from the world.

Overall, Lady Macbeth's words in this line serve as a poignant reminder of the tragic consequences of unchecked ambition and the destructive power of guilt. Through her observations of Macbeth's behavior, she highlights the toll that his actions have taken on his mental well-being and the profound impact that his choices have had on his psyche.