Question

read the excerpt from act 3, scene 4 of the tragedy of macbeth. macbeth sees banquos ghost at the banquet and begins ranting as his guests look on in horror. meanwhile, lady macbeth desperately tries to continue the party.
macbeth. which of you have done this?
lords. what, my good lord?
macbeth. thou canst not say i did it: never shake thy gory locks at me.
ross. gentlemen, rise; his highness is not well.
lady macbeth. sit, worthy friends: my lord is often thus, and hath been from his youth: pray you, keep seat; the fit is momentary; upon a thought he will again be well. if much you note him you shall offend him and extend his passion: feed and regard him not.
how does the meiosis in the lines \my lord is often thus, / and hath been from his youth\ contribute to the uneasy mood?
it suggests that lady macbeth is in denial about her husbands sudden deterioration.
it persuades the guests that macbeths strange condition is not contagious or dangerous to others.
it emphasizes that macbeth is unstable and that his wife would like help escaping the castle.
it suggests that lady macbeth would be a better ruler for scotland and promotes dissent.

Explanation:

Meiosis is a figure of speech that minimizes or downplays something. In this context, Lady Macbeth is downplaying Macbeth's current strange behavior (seeing Banquo's ghost and ranting) by saying "my lord is often thus, / And hath been from his youth". Macbeth's current outburst is clearly a sign of his deteriorating mental state (due to guilt over his murders). By suggesting it's a long - standing (from youth) and not a sudden condition, she is in denial. She wants to maintain the facade of a normal banquet and not acknowledge the sudden and serious nature of his breakdown.

Answer:

It suggests that Lady Macbeth is in denial about her husband's sudden deterioration.