Situate the Passage:
Who: The Doctor is speaking to the Gentlewoman.
To whom: The Doctor is addressing the Gentlewoman.
Where: The scene takes place in Macbeth's castle, specifically in a room where Lady
Macbeth is observed sleepwalking.
Why: The Doctor and Gentlewoman are observing Lady Macbeth's strange behavior,
which reveals her guilt and mental instability.
What happened just before: Lady Macbeth has been sleepwalking, trying to wash
imaginary bloodstains from her hands, and speaking about the murders she and
Macbeth have committed.
Meaning:
The line suggests that people with troubled minds (infected minds) often confess their secrets
(discharge their secret) to their pillows, which cannot hear or respond (deaf pillows). This
metaphorically represents the burden of guilt and the need for confession, even if it is to an
inanimate object.
Explanation of Drawing:
What It Adds to the Story:
This passage adds depth to the theme of guilt and the psychological consequences of Macbeth
and Lady Macbeth's actions. It shows how Lady Macbeth's mind is tormented by their crimes,
leading to her eventual breakdown.
What We Learn About the Characters:
We learn that Lady Macbeth, who was once strong and ruthless, is now overwhelmed by guilt
and paranoia. This contrasts with her earlier demeanor and shows the psychological toll of their
actions. The Doctor and Gentlewoman's reactions also highlight the gravity of her condition.
Themes Discussed:
Guilt and Conscience: The passage underscores the inescapable nature of guilt and its
impact on the human psyche.
Madness: Lady Macbeth's descent into madness is a key theme, illustrating the
consequences of unchecked ambition and moral corruption.
Secrecy and Confession: The need to confess one's sins, even to an inanimate object,
reflects the human desire for absolution.
Figures of Speech/Comment on the Choice of Words:
Metaphor: "Deaf pillows" is a metaphor for the inanimate objects that cannot respond to
or absolve one's guilt.
Personification: The pillows are described as "deaf," giving them a human
characteristic to emphasize their inability to provide comfort or relief.
Imagery: The phrase creates a vivid image of someone whispering their darkest secrets
into a pillow, highlighting the isolation and desperation of the character.
1
/
2
100%
