Sleep In Macbeth Essay

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Sleep is considered a period of peacefulness and relief from the surrounding world. It is believed to calm and relaxing and is a necessary part of the recovery process at the end of each day. Death, on the other hand, is seen as something to be feared and is commonly associated with violence. Throughout the story of Macbeth although they do not exactly match the conventional stereotypes assigned to sleep and death. In Macbeth, sleep is an innocent act that can be tainted by guilt and more troubling than the peacefulness of death.

Sleep can be susceptible to bad thoughts that plague the mind, showing that innocence is not free from corruption. After hearing the witches’ prophecies, Banquo does not want to sleep and asks “merciful …show more content…
When Macbeth is killed, Macduff announces his death and brings in “[the] usurper’s cursed head” (5.8.66). Macbeth’s cruel actions in life remembered as he had wrongfully taken away the throne from Duncan. His head is referred to as ‘cursed’, showing that Macbeth is not absolved of guilt and that even his corpse is condemned due to his actions. On the other hand, when Ross announces the death of Young Siward by Macbeth he mentions “the unshrinking station where [Young Siward] fought, but like a man he died” (5.8.47-48). Young Siward is remembered for his bravery facing Macbeth because he was fighting against a traitor. He was not victorious over Macbeth but his willingness to stand up against the villainous Macbeth makes him honorable in the eyes of everyone else. Despite his brief encounter with Macbeth, his actions had an impact on the people who knew him. Macbeth however, believes that “life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more” (5.5.27-28). His personification of life as an actor shows how it is temporary like a play. However, the actions that he has performed in his lifetime is remembered by the people around him and contradict his words. Macbeth is one of the most memorable players in this stage and is remembered for his cruel
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