Something Wicked This Way Comes Macbeth Full Quote
“Something wicked this way comes” is a famous quote from William Shakespeare's play Macbeth. The quote is spoken by the second witch in Act IV, Scene I, when she informs her companion that Macbeth is approaching. The line has become synonymous with impending doom or a sense of foreboding.
The Context of the Quote
Macbeth is a tragedy that tells the story of a Scottish general, Macbeth, who receives a prophecy from three witches that he will become king. Driven by ambition and his wife's encouragement, Macbeth kills King Duncan and takes the throne. However, guilt and paranoia consume him, leading to a series of murders and ultimately his downfall.
The scene in which the quote appears is crucial to the play's plot. Macbeth has returned to the witches to seek further guidance, and they present him with three apparitions. The second apparition warns him to beware of Macduff, a Scottish nobleman who poses a threat to his reign. The third apparition assures him that he cannot be harmed by any man born of a woman.
After the apparitions disappear, Macbeth demands to know more about Macduff. The witches summon a procession of eight kings, with Banquo, Macbeth's former friend and fellow soldier, at the end. Macbeth is horrified to see this and demands an explanation from the witches. It is then that the second witch utters the famous line: “Something wicked this way comes”.
The Meaning of the Quote
The quote has multiple interpretations, but it generally conveys a sense of ominousness or impending danger. In the context of the play, it suggests that Macbeth's downfall is imminent and that he will face a formidable opponent in Macduff. The line also reflects the witches' delight in causing chaos and destruction.
Outside of the play, the quote has been used in various contexts, including literature, film, and music. It has become a popular phrase to convey a sense of foreboding or warning. For example, Ray Bradbury used the quote as the title for his novel Something Wicked This Way Comes, which tells the story of a mysterious carnival that comes to a small town and brings with it a host of supernatural horrors.
The Significance of the Quote
The quote is significant because it encapsulates the themes of the play, such as fate, free will, and the corrupting influence of power. It also highlights the role of the witches, who represent chaos and disorder, in Macbeth's downfall. The witches symbolize the darker aspects of human nature, such as ambition, greed, and deception.
The line has also become a cultural touchstone, with many people using it to express a sense of unease or danger. It has been adapted and referenced in various media, including movies, TV shows, and video games. The quote's enduring popularity is a testament to Shakespeare's timeless writing and the enduring power of his plays.
The Legacy of Macbeth
Macbeth is one of Shakespeare's most famous plays and has been adapted countless times over the years. It continues to be performed in theaters around the world and is studied in schools and universities as a masterpiece of literature. The play's themes and characters have influenced many other works of art, and the quote “Something wicked this way comes” is just one example of its lasting impact.
In conclusion, the quote “Something wicked this way comes” is a memorable and haunting line from Shakespeare's Macbeth. It conveys a sense of foreboding and danger that has captivated audiences for centuries. Whether you are a fan of Shakespeare or not, the quote's enduring legacy is a testament to the power of his writing and the timeless themes he explores in his plays.