why shakespearean tragedies and sleep don't mix
The peril of late-night shakespeare
A photo of the first page of Macbeth from a 1623 facsimile of Shakespeare’s First Folio graces this discussion. It’s a cautionary tale: avoid Shakespeare’s tragedies before bed. Their stirring narratives, suggestive themes, and potent emotional resonance can disrupt even the most restful sleep, far more so than a Stephen King novel or a John Grisham courtroom drama. While a first-time reader might be shielded by unfamiliarity, seasoned Shakespeare enthusiasts find sleep and his tragedies are simply incompatible.
Repeated exposure & the unconscious
Understanding and truly feeling the power of Shakespeare requires repeated exposure. It's about immersing yourself in his perfectly articulated imagination. For those who revisit his plays, savoring them and seeking inspiration, sleep becomes an enemy. The tragedies delve into the darkest aspects of human nature, a stark contrast to the escapism found in other genres. These aren't just scary in the jump-scare sense – they tap into a deeper, more unsettling truth about ourselves.
The fatal flaw and human nature
Shakespeare's tragic heroes, despite their noble qualities, invariably possess a fatal flaw. This weakness, often a venality, festers under pressure, leading to increasingly inhumane actions and an inevitable downfall. It's profoundly unsettling because this flaw resides within us all, shaped by our nature and nurture. While self-knowledge and introspection can mitigate these tendencies, Shakespeare’s heroes, even with their brilliance, succumbed to fateful decisions sparked by weaknesses, leading to ruin.
A personal encounter with macbeth
My own lapse in judgment—reading Macbeth before sleep—served as a stark reminder of this truth. Waking up twice, muttering “Lay on, Macduff!” (Macduff's final words), highlighted the unsettling power of the play. The irony of being haunted by Macbeth’s words while struggling to wake up and make coffee further emphasized the play’s pervasive influence. It’s a testament to Shakespeare's ability to linger in the subconscious.
Sleep and guilt in macbeth
A central theme of Macbeth is the destruction of sleep by a guilty conscience. Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth become insomniacs, their minds ravaged by their crimes. The play illustrates how deliberate acts of violence and betrayal can rob someone of the most fundamental human need – rest. The profound regret and horror that Macbeth ultimately experiences underscores the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition and moral compromise.
“Macbeth has murdered sleep”
Macbeth’s anguished cry, “Macbeth has murdered sleep!” encapsulates the play’s core message. It’s a poignant recognition of the irreparable damage he has inflicted, not only on others but also on himself. This resonates deeply, illustrating how our actions can not only impact the external world but also fundamentally alter our own inner peace and well-being. It's a warning against the corrosive power of guilt and the importance of safeguarding our moral compass.