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Year 11 - English

Exploring the motif of sleep in 'Macbeth'

Macbeth: the role of guilt

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils learn about the importance of guilt in 'Macbeth'. They first conceptualise guilt within 'Macbeth', before exploring light, the supernatural, sleep and blood as symbols of guilt in the play. They finally write a nuanced and tentative argument about the role of guilt in the play.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to analyse the motif of sleep in regards to Macbeth's guilt.

Key Notes

  • 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.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • 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 Mistakes To Avoid

  • Students may be familiar with the function of sleep, but less aware of the symbolism and connotations.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

Sleep is a motif in 'Macbeth' associated with innocence. Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth suffer with lack of sleep (insomnia) and nightmares.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'Insomnia'

difficulty falling or staying asleep.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Students may be familiar with the function of sleep, but less aware of the symbolism and connotations. Correction: Whilst sleep is vital for healing and serves a restorative function, it also symbolises innocence and vulnerability.

More Lessons In This Unit

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