The Inclusion Of Sleep In Macbeth By William Shakespeare

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In William Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth, the inclusion of sleep functions to represent innocence, revealing that innocence cannot be repaired once tarnished. Shakespeare develops the idea of innocence through withholding restful sleep from the Macbeth’s. This can be seen when Lady Macbeth is sleepwalking and being observed by the doctor “Lo you, here she comes”. This is her very guise and, upon my life, fast asleep. Observe her; stand close.” (Doctor 5.1). In this quote, Lady Macbeth is unable to sleep restfully because she lacks innocence. Clearly, after Lady Macbeth witnessed Duncan murdered, she is traumatized by the blood that was on her hands. Furthermore, the author includes the symbol of sleep to explore the implications of PTSD. This

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