Tomorrow And Tomorrow And Tomorrow Macbeth Quote
William Shakespeare's play "Macbeth" is one of the most iconic pieces of literature in history. The play is full of memorable quotes and phrases that have become ingrained in popular culture. One of these quotes is "Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow," which is spoken by the character Macbeth in Act V, Scene V. This quote is often cited as an example of the play's themes of the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death.
The Context of the Quote
In the play, Macbeth is a Scottish nobleman who is consumed by his ambition to become king. He murders the current king, Duncan, and takes the throne for himself. However, he soon becomes paranoid and fearful of losing his power, and he orders the killing of anyone who he perceives as a threat to his rule. This includes his former friend Banquo and his family. As the play progresses, Macbeth's guilt and paranoia begin to consume him, and he becomes increasingly isolated and desperate.
The Meaning of the Quote
The quote "Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow" is spoken by Macbeth after he learns of the death of his wife, Lady Macbeth. He reflects on the futility of life and the inevitability of death, saying:
"Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,Creeps in this petty pace from day to day,To the last syllable of recorded time;And all our yesterdays have lighted foolsThe way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!Life's but a walking shadow, a poor playerThat struts and frets his hour upon the stageAnd then is heard no more. It is a taleTold by an idiot, full of sound and fury,Signifying nothing."
In this passage, Macbeth expresses his despair and nihilism. He sees life as a meaningless cycle of repetition, with each day blending into the next until death finally claims us all. He also uses a metaphor to describe life as a "brief candle" that is quickly extinguished. Finally, he compares life to a play, with humans as actors who have their moment in the spotlight before disappearing forever.
The Significance of the Quote
The quote "Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow" has become one of the most famous lines from "Macbeth" and is often cited as an example of Shakespeare's mastery of language and his ability to capture the human experience. The quote is also significant because it encapsulates the play's themes of ambition, guilt, and the inevitability of death. Macbeth's despair and nihilism reflect his realization that his ambition has led him down a path of destruction and that he is powerless to stop the march of time.
Overall, the quote "Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow" is a powerful and poignant expression of the human experience. It reminds us of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of making the most of the time we have. It also serves as a warning against the dangers of unchecked ambition and the destructive consequences that can arise from it.
