Friday, November 14, 2014

Why aren't Macbeth and Lady Macbeth happy being king and queen? Cite evidence to support your opnion.

Once Macbeth kills King Duncan, he hears the words "Sleep no more." That is exactly what happens to both of them.  Because of their guilt, they are both insomniacs.  They cannot sleep at night.  In fact, in Act V, Scene 1, Lady Macbeth is observed sleepwalking.  In that scene she reveals her secrets and the Gentlewoman and the Doctor overhear her words and feelings of guilt.



"Yet who would have thought the old man
to have had so much blood in him?"



While Lady Macbeth is slowly going crazy without sleep and the overwhelming feelings of guilt, Macbeth is becoming more and more paranoid.  He wants to ensure that no one will be in his way.  He immediately (after becoming king) hires murderers to kill Banquo, once his best friend, and also his son Fleance.  To ensure that the murder occurs, he even hires a third murderer to join them--just to make sure the job gets done.  Macbeth talks the first two men into hating Banquo so he knows that they'll go through with the killing.



"Both of you
Know Banquo was your enemy"



After Banquo, he goes after Macduff's family.  It's never ending. 


Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth can never really enjoy their royalty because of both the lack of sleep (guilt) and because of his paranoia.

No comments:

Post a Comment