Something Wicked This Way Comes Quote Macbeth
William Shakespeare's famous play, Macbeth, has been studied and performed for centuries, and it features one of the most iconic lines in all of literature: "Something wicked this way comes." This line is spoken by one of the witches, who are central to the plot of the play, and it has come to represent the ominous, foreboding tone that pervades the story.
The Context of the Quote
In Macbeth, the titular character is a Scottish nobleman who, spurred on by his ambitious wife, murders the king and takes the throne for himself. As he descends into madness and paranoia, he becomes increasingly reliant on the prophecies of the witches, who seem to have supernatural knowledge of his fate.
When the witches first appear in the play, they recite a series of cryptic prophecies that hint at Macbeth's future. Among these is the line, "Something wicked this way comes," which is spoken just before Macbeth enters the scene. The line is meant to suggest that Macbeth himself is the "something wicked" that the witches have foreseen, and that his arrival is a portent of terrible things to come.
The Meaning of the Quote
The line "Something wicked this way comes" has become so iconic that it has been referenced and adapted in countless works of literature, film, and television. Its power lies in its ability to create a sense of dread and anticipation, even without any specific knowledge of what is coming.
At its core, the quote is about the inevitability of fate and the idea that some things are simply beyond our control. Macbeth may have thought that he could defy destiny and shape his own future, but the witches knew otherwise. They knew that he was destined to fall, and that his arrival was a sign that the wheels of fate were already in motion.
The Legacy of the Quote
Over the centuries, "Something wicked this way comes" has become one of the most quoted and referenced lines in all of literature. It has been used in everything from horror movies to political speeches, and it has become a shorthand for any situation in which danger or evil is looming on the horizon.
At the same time, the quote has also become a symbol of the enduring power of Shakespeare's writing. Macbeth may have been written over four hundred years ago, but its themes of ambition, guilt, and the corrupting influence of power continue to resonate with audiences today.
Conclusion
Overall, the quote "Something wicked this way comes" is a powerful and evocative line that has become a cultural touchstone. It represents the ominous tone and supernatural elements that are central to Macbeth, and it continues to inspire and intrigue audiences today. Whether you are a fan of Shakespeare or simply interested in the history of literature, this quote is one that is sure to stick with you.