Downy sleep, death's counterfeit

The third Scene of the second Act is the first of new Scotland: King Duncan is discovered to be dead. Macbeth's household and guests awake to Macduff's gruesome discovery of the king's "silver skin laced with his golden blood". 


Macduff is slowly allowed admittance to the castle by the Porter, who also happens to talk about sleep. Macduff then proceeds to awake the King, and it shocked by the sight that awaits him. 

Shake off this downy sleep, death’s counterfeit,
And look on death itself! Up, up, and see
The great doom’s image!
(2.3.51-53)

Here sleep is referred to as "pseudo-death", while sleep is "downy", comforting peace, death on the other hand is horrible. Sleep is the perfect escape from life, but death is the end of it.


Once again, sleep is used to describe vulnerability, this time in an emotional way. Banquo tells everyone to get dressed, and then examine the scene of the crime: "And when we have our naked frailties hid / That suffer in exposure, let us meet / And question this most bloody piece of work". Before examining the harsh reality of murder, the must change from their sleeping attire, and mentally prepare themselves for the horror before them.

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When I was a young child, I remember never wanting to go bed everyday, and count down the hours, and homework tasks, until I can rest my wearing head on my pillow. I'm sure many people have felt as thought dying a better option one time or another, myself included, and it is good to remember that sleep is a far better option. When life gives you lemons, don't bother with the lemonade. Take a nap! 


Sleep clears the mind, and prepares us to deal with the things we find most unpleasant.

Macduff discovers King Duncan's murder (2.3)