Ashwin Lewis
Sleep is a significant motif in William Shakespeare's Macbeth, employed in both literal and figurative ways. Sleep is used to symbolise peace of mind, innocence, and purity. The play's characters, notably Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, experience sleep deprivation, sleepwalking, and nightmares, reflecting their guilt, moral decay, and fragile mental states. Shakespeare uses sleep as a device to explore the psychological consequences of their actions, with sleep deprivation serving as a form of torture and a symbol of their turmoil.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep as a symbol of innocence | Sleep is used as a symbol of innocence, purity, and peace of mind. Macbeth's innocence is lost after he kills Duncan, and he is tormented by guilt and nightmares. |
| Sleep as torture | Sleep is used as a form of torture in the play. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are unable to sleep comfortably due to their guilt and are haunted by nightmares. |
| Sleep and peace | Sleep is associated with peace, indicating that Macbeth's peace of mind is disrupted by his actions and their consequences. |
| Sleep and death | Sleep is contrasted with death, suggesting that death offers more peace than Macbeth's life. |
| Sleep and control | Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking portrays her loss of control and the fragility of her mind. |
| Sleep and fate | Macbeth believes that by killing Macduff, he can control his fate and conquer his fear, which will allow him to sleep peacefully. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleep as a symbol of innocence
Sleep is utilized by Shakespeare in "Macbeth" as a potent symbol, carrying multiple layers of meaning and serving as a crucial element in the exploration of themes and the development of characters. One of the most significant aspects of sleep in the play is its representation of innocence, a theme that undergoes a profound transformation as the plot progresses.
In the early stages of the play, sleep is presented as a peaceful and natural state, closely associated with innocence and purity. This is particularly evident in the character of Duncan, whose sleep is undisturbed and serene. Duncan's sleep represents the innocence of a righteous king, unaware of the treachery and violence that surrounds him. His sleep is so peaceful that it is described as being like "innocence which does steal sheep/ In holy slumber" (Act 2, Scene 2). This peaceful sleep contrasts sharply with the guilt-ridden insomnia that Macbeth experiences after murdering Duncan.
The peaceful sleep of Duncan and others in the play, such as Macbeth before his descent into ambition and murder, symbolizes a state of innocence and purity, free from the knowledge of evil and the weight of conscience. It represents a time before the corruption of their souls, a time of purity and simplicity. This is emphasized by the language Shakespeare uses to describe sleep, often associating it with calmness, tranquility, and a sense of being untouched by the complexities of the waking world.
As the play progresses, however, the theme of sleep as innocence undergoes a transformation. After Macbeth murders Duncan, his sleep becomes troubled and filled with nightmares. He sees innocent sleep as something that has abandoned him, highlighting his growing sense of isolation and guilt. Macbeth's sleep, once a refuge, now becomes a reminder of his lost innocence and a source of torment. He laments, "Macbeth does murder sleep, the innocent sleep,/ That nourishes life's labor" (Act 2, Scene 2).
The contrast between Duncan's peaceful sleep and Macbeth's tortured insomnia underscores the theme of innocence lost. Macbeth, once a noble and honorable thane, has descended into a world of darkness and violence, a world where sleep offers no refuge but only reminders of his crimes. This loss of innocence is reflected in the disturbed sleep of Lady Macbeth as well, who, in her sleepwalking scene, reveals her tortured mind and the weight of her guilt. Their sleep, or lack thereof, serves as a powerful symbol of the corruption of their souls and the irreversible loss of innocence.
Throughout "Macbeth," Shakespeare uses sleep as a multifaceted symbol, and one of its most poignant representations is that of innocence. The peaceful sleep of the innocent contrasts sharply with the troubled sleep of the guilty, highlighting the theme of innocence lost and the descent into moral corruption. As the play progresses, sleep becomes a haunting reminder of the characters' past innocence and the stark reality of their present state.
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Sleep as a form of torture
Sleep is presented as a blessing, a natural part of life, and a necessity for human functioning. However, in Macbeth, Shakespeare uses sleep as a device to explore its absence and the resulting torture it inflicts on the characters. The inability to sleep, or sleep deprivation, is used as a form of psychological torment that reflects the characters' inner turmoil and the broader themes of guilt, conscience, and moral decay.
After murdering Duncan, Macbeth is haunted by his conscience and unable to sleep. In Act 2, Scene 2, Lady Macbeth remarks on her husband's sleepwalking and his inability to find peace: "One cried 'God bless us!' and 'Amen!' the other, As they had seen me with these hangman's hands. Listening their fear, I could not say 'Amen,' When they did say 'God bless us!'" Here, Macbeth's sleep is disturbed by his guilty conscience, and the lack of sleep becomes a form of self-inflicted torture. His mind is so burdened by the weight of his crimes that he cannot find rest, and the peaceful sleep of others only serves to highlight his own tormented state.
Furthermore, Macbeth's inability to sleep also affects Lady Macbeth. In Act 5, Scene 1, Lady Macbeth sleepwalks and is tormented by her memories and guilt. She tries to wash imaginary bloodstains from her hands, revealing the depth of her psychological trauma. Her doctor and gentlewoman observe her strange behavior, with the latter commenting, "Since his Majesty went into the field, I have seen her rise from her bed, throw her nightgown 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." Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking and disturbed sleep pattern showcase the mental anguish she endures, as her subconscious mind tortures her with reminders of their crimes even while she sleeps.
The use of sleep as torture extends beyond the main characters. In Act 2, Scene 3, the Porter delivers a comedic monologue, providing a moment of dark humor in the play. He compares himself to the porter of Hell, and the knocking at the gate to the knocking at the gates of Hell. By doing so, he draws a connection between Macbeth's castle and Hell, implying that the events within the castle are akin to the torments of the damned. The inability to sleep becomes a form of mental agony, not just for the perpetrators of the crimes but also for those connected to them.
Shakespeare's use of sleep as a form of torture in Macbeth highlights the psychological consequences of the characters' actions. It serves as a constant reminder of their guilt and the moral decay that has taken root within them. Through disturbed sleep and sleepwalking, Shakespeare showcases the inner turmoil of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, providing a window into their consciences and the profound impact their actions have on their minds.
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Sleep and peace of mind
Sleep is used as a motif in Macbeth to represent peace of mind. Shakespeare uses sleep to symbolise innocence, purity, and peace of mind. After Macbeth murders Duncan, he says:
> "Methought I heard a voice cry, 'Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep' – the innocent sleep; Sleep, that knits up the raveled sleave of care, the death of each day’s life, sore labor’s bath, balm of hurt minds, great nature’s second course, chief nourisher in life’s feast."
Here, Macbeth recognises that his innocence is lost, and he will never be the same again. He is envious of Duncan's peaceful sleep, and his own sleep is now disturbed by terrible dreams and nightmares. This is a manifestation of his guilty conscience and moral decay.
Lady Macbeth also loses her peace of mind and begins to sleepwalk, indicating her fragile state and the turmoil of her mind. She is described as having "thick-coming fancies that keep her from her rest". Shakespeare uses this to foreshadow her downfall and death.
The motif of sleep is used throughout the play to show the consequences of immoral acts. Macbeth tries to assure himself that he has no reason to fear Macduff, but he still plans to kill him to secure his throne. He says:
> "That I may tell pale-hearted fear it lies and sleep in spite of thunder."
Here, Macbeth expresses his desire to conquer his fear and regain peaceful sleep by taking control of his fate.
Sleep is also used as a form of torture in the play. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are tormented by their guilt and are unable to find comfort in sleep. Their insomnia and nightmares symbolise the turmoil and consequences of their actions.
In conclusion, Shakespeare's use of sleep as a motif in Macbeth highlights the loss of innocence and peace of mind for the characters. The disruption of sleep symbolises the turmoil, guilt, and consequences that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth experience as a result of their immoral acts.
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Sleepwalking as a symbol of guilt
Sleep is used as a symbol of innocence in Macbeth, and it is also used to symbolise peace of mind. After Macbeth murders Duncan, he hears a voice saying, "Macbeth does murder sleep". From this point on, Macbeth is tortured by nightmares and insomnia, and his peace of mind is disturbed. Lady Macbeth, too, is affected by her guilt, and she begins to sleepwalk. Sleepwalking was seen as a disease at the time, and Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking is a symbol of her guilt and her loss of control.
Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking is first mentioned in Act 3, Scene 2, when a gentlewoman calls the doctor because she has seen Lady Macbeth sleepwalking for several nights. The doctor says that Lady Macbeth's problem is not sickness, but her conscience:
> "Not so sick, my lord, / As she is troubled with thick-coming fancies / That keep her from her rest."
Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking is a physical manifestation of her guilt, and it is used by Shakespeare to foreshadow her downfall and death. Her sleepwalking shows that she is fragile and in turmoil, and that she is unable to control herself. It is also a symbol of her loss of innocence, as sleep is often associated with innocence in the play.
Macbeth is jealous of Duncan's ability to sleep peacefully, as he knows that he has taken this peace from Duncan by killing him. Macbeth's insomnia and nightmares are a result of his guilt and moral decay, and they symbolise the loss of his innocence and peace of mind. Macbeth's sleep deprivation also causes him to become paranoid and fearful, and he decides to kill Macduff to try and silence his fears and regain his ability to sleep:
> "That I may tell pale-hearted fear it lies, and sleep in spite of thunder."
Sleep is used as a motif throughout the play, and it is often used as a form of torture. Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are tortured by their inability to sleep, and their sleep deprivation is a consequence of their immoral actions.
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Sleep and death
Sleep is used as a motif throughout Macbeth, and it is often associated with death. After Macbeth murders Duncan, he becomes anxious and regrets his actions. He says:
> "Methought I heard a voice cry, 'Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep' – the innocent sleep. Sleep that knits up the raveled sleave of care, the death of each day's life, sore labor's bath, balm of hurt minds, great nature's second course, chief nourisher in life's feast."
Here, Macbeth acknowledges that he has lost his innocence and peace of mind. Sleep is used as a symbol of innocence, purity, and peace throughout the play. Macbeth's envy of Duncan's peaceful sleep is also evident in the following lines:
> "Duncan is in his grave. After life's fitful fever, he sleeps well... Malice domestic, foreign levy, nothing can touch him further."
Macbeth's sleep is disturbed by terrible dreams and nightmares, symbolizing the turmoil and consequences of his immoral acts. The motif of sleep is also used to foreshadow Lady Macbeth's downfall and death. She loses control of her sleep, which was considered a disease at the time, and begins to sleepwalk. Her sleepwalking is interpreted as a sign of her fragile mental state and guilt over her actions.
Additionally, sleep is used as a form of torture in the play. Macbeth experiences insomnia and is haunted by nightmares, symbolizing the psychological consequences of his actions. The witches in the play also use sleep deprivation as a form of torture, cursing a sailor with sleeplessness.
Overall, the motif of sleep in Macbeth is closely tied to death. It symbolizes innocence, peace, and the release from the troubles of life, which is often juxtaposed with the turmoil, guilt, and consequences faced by the characters after committing immoral acts.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleep is used as a symbol of innocence, purity, and peace of mind. After Macbeth kills Duncan, he hears a voice saying, "Macbeth does murder sleep". This symbolises that Macbeth's innocence is lost and he will no longer have peace of mind.
Lady Macbeth begins to sleepwalk and is plagued by guilt and madness. Her lack of control over her sleep symbolises her loss of control over herself and foreshadows her downfall and death.
Shakespeare uses sleep as a motif to represent peace. When Macbeth's sleep is disturbed by nightmares, it symbolises that his peace is disrupted by guilt and the consequences of his immoral actions. Sleep is also used as a form of torture, with Macbeth and Lady Macbeth unable to find comfort in sleep due to their troubled consciences.
