Question

the following lines are spoken by macbeth in the tragedy of macbeth, act ii, scene ii: methought i heard a voice cry sleep no more! / macbeth does murder sleep—the innocent sleep, / sleep that knits up the raveled sleave of care, / the death of each days life, sore labors bath, / balm of hurt minds, great natures second course, / chief nourisher in lifes feast.... in an essay, discuss the meaning of these lines for macbeth. why do you think shakespeare chose to portray macbeth as so conscience - stricken by his deed? how would the story be different if macbeths actions caused him no moral suffering?

Explanation:

These lines from Macbeth show his guilt - sleep, a symbol of peace, is disrupted. Shakespeare portrays his conscience - stricken state to explore themes of guilt and morality. If Macbeth felt no suffering, the story would lack moral complexity and emotional depth, becoming a simple tale of ambition and power - grab rather than a profound exploration of human nature.

Answer:

The lines reflect Macbeth's guilt as sleep, a symbol of peace, eludes him. Shakespeare portrays his conscience - stricken state to explore themes of guilt and morality. Without his suffering, the story would lack moral complexity and emotional depth.