SLEEP/DEATH - Macbeth Themes

                                                     SLEEP/DEATH

What is sleep and death?

Sleep is taking rest and part of a healthy life.

Death is the end of our life on earth and the beginning of our spiritual life

How is it related to the play?

Sleep/death occurs naturally but portrayed unnaturally in the play. Macbeth had killed Duncan and by this evil deed, he murdered his sleep too. He could not sleep anymore. His sleep is dead.

How is it related to characters?

Macbeth killed King Duncan to have his crown. But without Macbeth knowing it, his sleep was also murdered. Lady Macbeth was also affected by this that she cannot rest and sleepwalks. Therefore she killed herself to obtain rest.     

How would the play be without the theme?

The play without these will not give an effect of how Macbeth was affected by his deeds.

“Methought I heard a voice cry, ‘sleep no more: / Macbeth does murder sleep’, the innocent sleep’ / sleep that knits up the ravell’d sleave of care, …”  –Macbeth (2.2.34-43)

After murdering Duncan, his sleep or peace of mind is forever ruined. His guilt is bothering him.

“Shake off this downy sleep, death’s counterfeit, / And look on death itself. Up, up and see / The great doom’s image… ” –Macduff(2.3.71-77)

 

Here it is said to wake from sleep because it is time to face the death of Duncan.