Images of Night and Sleep in Macbeth by William...

Images of Night and Sleep in Macbeth by William Shakespeare The Shakespearean work Macbeth is a dramatic tragedy. It is a serious play that represents the disastrous downfall of its central character, Macbeth. In this tragedy there are many terrible acts of bloodthirsty, premeditated violence. Many of these gruesome acts happen at night. These incidents of tragedy have a major affect on the main characters and their actions. Macbeth also contains many images of sleep. As the play unfolds, the nature of sleep changes for the characters who act during the night. The use of sleep and the night play three significant roles in this play: evil things happen at night, sleep is portrayed as naturally good†¦show more content†¦. . The obscure bird/ Clamored the livelong night. Some say the earth/ Was feverous and did shake (2.3.61-69). It seems that during the night just past, a number of unnatural events occurred. Evil deeds committed during the night result in chaos for society the next morning. Thus, it is obvious that the killing of Du ncan disrupts order in the kingdom. As a result of Duncan being murdered, there is now a civil war being fought in Scotland. Banquos murder also takes place during night. Once again Macbeth hopes the darkness of the night will disguise the killing of Banquo saying, Come, seeling night,/ Scarf up the tender eye of pitiful day (3.2.52-53). Macbeth feels that this act cant occur during the day because the eye of compassionate nature will see it; therefore he needs the night to blind the eyes. He also relies on the night to block out the possibility of some person seeing the murderers. As the time approaches for Banquos scheduled return to Dunsinane, the audience expects the arrival of night: Light thickens; and the crow/ Makes wing to the rooky wood;/ Good things of day begin to droop and drowse (3.2.56-58). Macbeth sends out his assassins to kill Banquo at night. He describes them as nights black agents to their preys do/ rouse (3.2.59-60). These murderers are the characters that carr y out their evil in the dark. Macbeth thinks that by sending them out atShow MoreRelatedImagery in Macbeth by William Shakespeare702 Words   |  3 PagesImagery in Macbeth The tragedy of Macbeth is a compelling story by William Shakespeare about the fall of a once noble man who becomes a tragic hero. The story of Macbeth is about a man who let his desires result in him becoming an evil man. Shakespeare uses many forms of writing to portray his story; one main technique used is imagery. Imagery is used consistently throughout Macbeth to help the reader thoroughly understand the theme of the play. 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