Question

question 3
close read: analyze the text
identify the choice that best answers the question.
in act ii of the tragedy of macbeth, what does the cry \sleep no more! / macbeth does murder sleep...\ mean to macbeth?
o it leads him to suspect that he has been identified as duncans assassin.
o it points to his need to flee and become a fugitive.
o it underscores the idea that his conscience will not let him rest.
o it causes him to fear that he will be the next person to die.

Explanation:

In Macbeth, after Macbeth murders Duncan, his guilt and conscience torment him. The cry "Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep..." is a powerful expression of his inner turmoil. Sleep is often a symbol of peace and innocence. By murdering Duncan (a virtuous king), Macbeth's conscience won't let him have the peace (sleep) that an innocent person would have. It's not about fearing being the next victim (he's the murderer), not about being identified as the assassin (the cry is more internal), and not about fleeing (it's about his mental state). The key is that his conscience (related to the moral and psychological impact of his deed) won't let him rest (sleep symbolizes rest here).

Answer:

It underscores the idea that his conscience will not let him rest.