Exploring the motif of sleep in 'Macbeth'
I can analyse the motif of sleep in regards to Macbeth's guilt.
Exploring the motif of sleep in 'Macbeth'
I can analyse the motif of sleep in regards to Macbeth's guilt.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Sleep is a motif in 'Macbeth' associated with innocence.
- Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth suffer with lack of sleep (insomnia) and nightmares.
- Insomnia is associated with guilt in the play.
- Insomnia might be considered a punishment that either God or the conscience inflicts.
- We can use discourse markers to help us trace different uses of a motif across a text.
Keywords
Insomnia - difficulty falling or staying asleep
Repressed - describes a feeling that you do not express
Manifestation - an object that embodies something abstract
Assuage - make an unpleasant feeling less intense
Common misconception
Students may be familiar with the function of sleep, but less aware of the symbolism and connotations.
Whilst sleep is vital for healing and serves a restorative function, it also symbolises innocence and vulnerability.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on
Lesson video
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