Macbeth Passage Analysis Essay

Significance of passage 2.2.13-94 In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, passage 2.2.13-94 is significant because of the use of metaphors, character, and the theme topic guilt. Specifically, the passage is significant because of the metaphors that create images of sleep as a positive necessity(Jabbur). Also, this passage is significant since it highlights the change of Macbeth from a “brave” general to a cowardly killer(Naveenan). Finally, this passage is significant because it [reveals] unearned successes and ill-gotten achievements will be ruined by guilt(L’Heureux). The passage is significant because of the metaphors that create images of sleep as a positive necessity(Jabbur). Macbeth compares sleep to a “sore labour’s bath” (2.2.50), “balm of hurt minds” (2.2.51) and “great nature’s second course” (2.2.51). It reveals sleep is a form of healing and a necessity. A bath at the end of the day is healing after a hard day’s work, in the same way a balm is used as an ointment to heal specific injuries. Also,

At the beginning of the play, Macbeth is regarded as a “brave” (1.2.18) general that showed his loyalty to the King. It is when a prophecy (1.3.53) and his ambition that led him to murder the King (2.2.19) to acquire the throne did he show signs of guilt and fear. Sounds such as knocking would startle him (2.2.17) and the paranoia of Banquo’s prophecy continued to haunt him further to the point where he hired murderers to kill his friend (3.1.155). Soon after, he gave orders to kill Macduff’s family as he learns of a new prophecy given to him by the witches (4.1.164-166). By the end of the play, he has turn into a cowardly killer that is driven on guilt and is killed for his actions. The change of Macbeth from a “brave” general to a cowardly killer(Naveenan) make this passage