1. Plot Advancement: Putting Miranda and the sailors to sleep allows the story to progress without their immediate interference. It gives Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, the opportunity to execute his plan of revenge and restoration without distractions. While they sleep, Prospero can manipulate events and orchestrate the series of encounters that ultimately lead to the resolution of the conflict.
2. Heightening Suspense: The sleeping characters create a sense of mystery and suspense. The audience is left wondering what will happen to them when they awaken and how they will react to the changed circumstances. This builds anticipation and keeps the audience engaged in the unfolding events.
3. Exploring Themes: The use of sleep and dreaming in the play aligns with the themes of illusion, transformation, and the blurring of reality. Sleep becomes a metaphor for the transformative power of the tempest, which ultimately leads to the characters' self-discovery, reconciliation, and renewal.
4. Magical Element: The magical nature of the play is emphasized through the use of sleep spells. Prospero's control over the elements and his ability to manipulate reality enhance the sense of wonder and enchantment in the story.
5. Character Development: The sleeping state provides an opportunity for introspection and revelation. While asleep, Miranda and the sailors may experience dreams or visions that shed light on their inner conflicts and motivations. This contributes to their character development and helps the audience understand their emotional journeys.
6. Dramatic Effect: The sleeping scenes create a visually captivating and dramatic moment in the play. The stillness and silence of the sleeping characters contrast with the tumultuous events surrounding them, adding a layer of complexity to the storytelling.
By putting Miranda and the sailors to sleep, Shakespeare introduces an element of magic, suspense, and dramatic effect while also facilitating the advancement of the plot and exploration of deeper themes within the play.