This paper is about the symbol ‘sleep’ in Shakespeare’s plays “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Macbeth”.
The author will discuss the definition and the role of sleep, in the two already mentioned works, in chapter 2 and 3 by analysing the symbol in detail, by giving examples and quoting relevant passages from the text. As “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a comedy and “Macbeth” a tragedy, these terms also have to be explained. Therefore, ‘sleep’ further has to be analysed by taking the aspects of a comedy and tragedy into consideration.
The next chapter is dedicated to the comparison of the sleep-symbol between “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Macbeth”. To sum it up, the main focus of this paper is to emphasize the importance of the sleep-symbol and its consequences on the plot and outcome of the two plays (chapter 5).
Table of contents
1. Introduction
2. Sleep in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
3. Sleep in Macbeth
4. Comparison
5. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Core Topics
This paper examines the symbolic representation of sleep in William Shakespeare’s plays "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" and "Macbeth." The research explores how the theme of sleep acts as a narrative device in both a comedic and a tragic context, focusing on its influence on plot development and character vulnerability.
- The role of sleep as a catalyst for confusion in comedy.
- Sleep as a symbol of vulnerability and death in tragedy.
- The relationship between sleep, the unconscious mind, and madness.
- A comparative analysis of how sleep influences the dramatic outcomes of both plays.
Excerpt from the book
4. Comparison
Although the plays MSND and MB share the symbol of sleep, the symbol itself has only little in common in those two plays. A symbol always stands for an idea or concept (e.g. death), but it has to be seen as an element of the plot and therefore can be interpreted differently form play to play.
There is one major aspect of sleep which MSND and MB share; the un/subconscious. As it is in reality, ‘sleep’ is inseparable from the unconsciousness also in the plays. When a person is asleep, s/he is never aware what is happening around her/him. Shakespeare makes use of this and implies ‘sleep’ in his plays in a way that it seems mysterious to the audience. Every time when somebody is asleep strange things happen and he let’s the audience know that these things happen BECAUSE somebody is asleep. MSND and MB would not work without the sleep-scenes. The sleep-symbol also makes the plays more real to the audience because sleep is something everybody experiences in his daily life. Maybe Shakespeare even intended to make them think that such things could also happen to them anytime.
But as I mentioned before the interpretation of a symbol often depends on the plot and therefore there are great differences between MSND and MB. In MSND ‘sleep’ is connected with positive feelings whereas it is connected with negative feelings in MB.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter defines the core concept of symbolism and outlines the scope of the study regarding the functions of sleep in Shakespearean works.
2. Sleep in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”: This section analyzes how sleep and dreaming serve as mechanisms for confusion and harmless entertainment within a comedic framework.
3. Sleep in Macbeth: This chapter investigates how sleep is linked to vulnerability, guilt, madness, and death in a tragic context.
4. Comparison: This chapter contrasts the positive, transformative nature of sleep in the comedy with its dark, menacing associations in the tragedy.
5. Conclusion: The author summarizes the vital role of the sleep symbol and reflects on the intellectual growth gained through analyzing literary complexity.
Keywords
William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth, Symbolism, Sleep, Comedy, Tragedy, Unconscious, Madness, Guilt, Death, Literature, Plot Analysis, Dream, Vulnerability
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper explores the symbolic meaning of "sleep" in Shakespeare’s plays "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" and "Macbeth" and how this symbol functions differently in comedy versus tragedy.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
The central themes include the subconscious, vulnerability, the distinction between reality and fantasy, guilt, and the structural necessity of sleep for the plot progression of the plays.
What is the research goal of the author?
The goal is to demonstrate how the same symbol—sleep—can be interpreted in vastly different ways depending on the genre of the play and the intentions of the playwright.
Which scientific method is utilized?
The author utilizes a qualitative literary analysis method, interpreting textual passages and citing literary theory to support the claims about symbolism in the primary sources.
What content is covered in the main body?
The main body provides specific textual analysis of the sleep-related scenes in both plays, followed by a direct comparison of the symbol's effects on the audience and the narrative.
Which keywords best describe the paper?
Key terms include Shakespeare, Sleep Symbolism, Tragedy, Comedy, Unconscious, and Literary Analysis.
How does sleep function specifically in "A Midsummer Night’s Dream"?
In this play, sleep is presented as a state of vulnerability that allows for magical intervention, confusion, and ultimately a happy, dream-like resolution.
How does the role of sleep shift in "Macbeth"?
In "Macbeth," sleep loses its innocent, comedic quality and becomes associated with guilt, psychological decay, sleeplessness, and violent death.
Does the author suggest that the plays would function without the "sleep" motif?
No, the author argues that the sleep motif is essential to both works and that removing it would significantly alter the plot and the audience's emotional response.
What is the significance of the sleepwalking scene in "Macbeth"?
The sleepwalking scene highlights Lady Macbeth’s inability to suppress her guilt and demonstrates how the vulnerability of sleep exposes the inner fears and psychological turmoil of the characters.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Mag. BSc Elisabeth Kuster (Autor:in), 2006, The Sleep-Symbol in "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" and in "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/375004
