1 Topic by tklatt (edited by tklatt 2012-03-12 15:12:30)

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Topic: Macbeth: Act II Scene II

In this scene, Macbeth kills Duncan, but also speaks to Lady Macbeth afterwards. Macbeth is expressing his regret for killing Duncan, whereas Lady Macbeth feels no remorse. This is supported by the line at 3:10, when Macbeth looks at his hands says "This is a sorry sight." At the 3:20 mark, Macbeth says"Methought I heard a voice cry 'sleep no more!'" Do you think Macbeth is actually cursed? Or is the voice crying "sleep no more" just a figment of his imagination? I think Macbeth is creating his own curse, by saying he heard a voice telling him he will sleep no more, Macbeth is making this come true. Eventually Macbeth will begin to lose sleep, because he believes this curse is real.

2 Reply by tklatt

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Re: Macbeth: Act II Scene II

MACBETH
This is a sorry sight.
Looking on his hands

LADY MACBETH
A foolish thought, to say a sorry sight.
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LADY MACBETH
These deeds must not be thought
After these ways; so, it will make us mad.
MACBETH
Methought I heard a voice cry 'Sleep no more!
Macbeth does murder sleep', the innocent sleep,
Sleep that knits up the ravell'd sleeve of care,
The death of each day's life, sore labour's bath,
Balm of hurt minds, great nature's second course,
Chief nourisher in life's feast,--
LADY MACBETH
What do you mean?
MACBETH
Still it cried 'Sleep no more!' to all the house:
'Glamis hath murder'd sleep, and therefore Cawdor
Shall sleep no more; Macbeth shall sleep no more.'