In the play ‘Macbeth’ by Shakespeare it can be agreed that the good is rewarded with a clear conscience and the ability to sleep. This implies that the bad will be punished through sleep deprivation as a result of sin. Firstly, Macbeth is overcome with guilt after committing several murders. He realises it will be extremely difficult to ever sleep peacefully again. Secondly, Lady Macbeth struggles with her guilty conscience and is seen sleepwalking while confessing her sins. Finally, the idea of the good being rewarded with sleep is shown in the deaths of two good men, Duncan and Banquo.
Macbeth murders Duncan in order to take his place on the throne. However, he immediately regrets his decision. ‘Methought I heard a voice cry “Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep”’ suggests that by murdering Duncan he will forever have a dirty conscience and will struggle to sleep. Lady Macbeth initially thinks it will be easy to wash her hands of the blood she helped Macbeth shed. However, “What, will these hands ne’er be clean?” proves that …show more content…
“Duncan is in his grave. After life’s fitful fever he sleeps well” is a clear representation of how good values are rewarded with sleep and how Macbeth is stripped of his ability to sleep. Even Lady Macbeth realises that getting what you want doesn’t always bring you peace. “Tis safer to be that which we destroy than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy” proves that she would prefer to be Duncan, dead but resting in peace, than alive and guilt ridden. In addition, Banquo is extremely clever and thinks rationally. He has good morals and knows what is right and wrong. This makes him a threat to Macbeth. After being told that Banquo has been killed Macbeth says “But Banquo’s safe?” meaning that Banquo is resting in peace in heaven. He starts to envy him for this as he knows he has sinned too much to be able to sleep in
Macbeth murders Duncan in order to take his place on the throne. However, he immediately regrets his decision. ‘Methought I heard a voice cry “Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep”’ suggests that by murdering Duncan he will forever have a dirty conscience and will struggle to sleep. Lady Macbeth initially thinks it will be easy to wash her hands of the blood she helped Macbeth shed. However, “What, will these hands ne’er be clean?” proves that …show more content…
“Duncan is in his grave. After life’s fitful fever he sleeps well” is a clear representation of how good values are rewarded with sleep and how Macbeth is stripped of his ability to sleep. Even Lady Macbeth realises that getting what you want doesn’t always bring you peace. “Tis safer to be that which we destroy than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy” proves that she would prefer to be Duncan, dead but resting in peace, than alive and guilt ridden. In addition, Banquo is extremely clever and thinks rationally. He has good morals and knows what is right and wrong. This makes him a threat to Macbeth. After being told that Banquo has been killed Macbeth says “But Banquo’s safe?” meaning that Banquo is resting in peace in heaven. He starts to envy him for this as he knows he has sinned too much to be able to sleep in