Macbeth Quote Tomorrow And Tomorrow And Tomorrow
William Shakespeare's play, Macbeth, is one of the most iconic pieces of literature in the English language. It tells the story of a Scottish general, Macbeth, who receives a prophecy from three witches that he will become king. Obsessed with the idea of power, Macbeth sets out on a bloody path to achieve his ambition, leading to his eventual downfall.
The Quote
One of the most famous lines from the play is spoken by Macbeth himself in Act V, Scene V:
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 fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player,
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And then is heard no more: it is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.
The Meaning
This powerful soliloquy reflects Macbeth's despair and hopelessness as he realizes that his life has been spent chasing a meaningless goal. The repetition of the word "tomorrow" emphasizes the endless, cyclical nature of time, and Macbeth's frustration with this inevitability.
The metaphor of life as a "walking shadow" and a "poor player" highlights the fleeting and insignificant nature of human existence. Macbeth recognizes that his actions and desires have led him to a tragic end, and that his life has ultimately been meaningless.
The Legacy
The quote "tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow" has become one of the most famous and widely quoted lines in all of Shakespeare's works. It has been used in countless films, TV shows, and other works of literature, and has become a symbol of the bleakness and despair that can come from a life lived without purpose.
Despite its dark themes, Macbeth remains one of Shakespeare's most beloved plays, and its characters and themes continue to resonate with audiences today.
Conclusion
The quote "tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow" from Macbeth is a powerful reflection on the fleeting and meaningless nature of human existence. It reminds us that life is short and that our actions have consequences, and serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition.
