Jessie Taylor
In William Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth, the line Out, out, brief candle! is spoken by Macbeth himself during a soliloquy in Act 5, Scene 5. This phrase is part of Macbeth's reflection on the fleeting and fragile nature of life, serving as a metaphor for the brevity and insignificance of human existence. The soliloquy, titled Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow, reveals Macbeth's disillusionment and despair as he grapples with the idea of life's inherent meaninglessness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bravery | Macbeth is introduced as a brave and capable warrior. |
| Ambition | Macbeth is ambitious, which leads him to murder Duncan and become king. |
| Self-doubt | Macbeth experiences self-doubt, which is evident in his worry before killing Duncan. |
| Disillusionment | He expresses disappointment and disillusionment in his famous soliloquy, "Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow." |
| Guilt | Macbeth struggles with guilt after his murders, unlike Shakespeare's great villains who conquer guilt. |
| Fearlessness | Macbeth is fearless in battle, but he is concerned by the prophecies of the witches. |
| Human | Despite his flaws, Macbeth is portrayed as human and sympathetic when his manliness is mocked by his wife. |
| Love | He is deeply in love with Lady Macbeth, and their partnership in crime strengthens their attachment. |
| Isolation | As the play progresses, Macbeth becomes increasingly isolated as his wife's powerful personality disintegrates. |
| Hubris | Macbeth's dominant character trait becomes hubris or excessive pride, especially after he revisits the witches. |
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What You'll Learn
Macbeth's disillusionment
Macbeth's soliloquy, "Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow," is a pivotal moment in the play, marking his transformation from a valiant warrior to a despondent figure grappling with mortality and the inevitability of death. In this soliloquy, Macbeth expresses his disillusionment with life, likening it to a "brief candle" that is soon snuffed out. He recognises the futility of his actions and the meaningless cycle of days, leading to a sense of resignation and despair.
The phrase "Out, out, brief candle" is a powerful metaphor for the fleeting nature of life. The candle represents human life, burning briefly before being extinguished. This image reflects Macbeth's state of mind, where he is confronted by the monotony of time slipping away and the insignificance of his existence. The soliloquy is a presentation of thought through a series of vivid images, with each image giving way to another born from it, creating a poetical logic that is unique and profound.
Ultimately, Macbeth's soliloquy reveals a man unravelling, as his ambitious ascent to power has led to tyranny and bloodshed, and ultimately, his downfall. His disillusionment is a reflection of broader human concerns about existence, purpose, and mortality, making his character and story enduring subjects of literary analysis.
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The metaphor of the candle
In Shakespeare's tragedy, Macbeth, the titular character utters the famous phrase, "Out, out, brief candle," during a soliloquy. This phrase is a powerful metaphor that captures Macbeth's disillusionment and his contemplation on the fleeting nature of life.
The candle in this context represents human life, specifically its brevity and insignificance in the face of death. The burning candle, with its brief light, serves as a stark reminder of the short duration of life, which ultimately ends in darkness. This metaphor highlights Macbeth's realization that his ambitious pursuit of the Scottish throne was meaningless in the grand scheme of mortality.
The imagery of the candle also evokes a sense of passion and obsession. Just as a candle's flame flickers with intensity, so too do the desires and ambitions of individuals. However, like the candle burning out, these passions are revealed to be fleeting and inconsequential in the face of death. Macbeth, consumed by his desire for power, comes to this realization too late, finding himself mired in guilt, paranoia, and violence.
Shakespeare's use of the candle metaphor is not unique to Macbeth. In his play "As You Like It," he presents another well-known metaphor: "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players." Here, Shakespeare compares the world to a theatrical stage, suggesting that life is akin to a performance where individuals play their respective roles. This idea of life as a performance resonates with the candle metaphor in Macbeth, as both emphasize the transient nature of human existence.
Furthermore, the candle metaphor in Macbeth also brings to mind the concept of "carrying over" or "transference," which is inherent in the very definition of a metaphor. By comparing life to a brief candle, Shakespeare transfers the attributes of a candle's flame—its brightness, fragility, and transient nature—to the human condition. This "carrying over" of attributes creates a powerful image that conveys the tragedy and futility that Macbeth perceives in his own life and ambitions.
In conclusion, the metaphor of the candle in Macbeth serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the insignificance of earthly pursuits in the face of mortality. Through this metaphor, Shakespeare masterfully captures the essence of Macbeth's disillusionment and the tragic realization that his ambitious endeavours were ultimately meaningless.
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The transience of life
In Shakespeare's tragedy, it is Macbeth who delivers the famous soliloquy beginning with the words "Out, out, brief candle". This speech is a reflection on the transience of life, a theme that is explored through the metaphor of a candle that burns out quickly.
The soliloquy is Macbeth's response to the news of Lady Macbeth's death, and it captures his sense of hopelessness and the futility of life. He recognises that life is short and often filled with meaningless passion and ambition. Macbeth's contemplation of life's brevity and insignificance is a stark reminder of the transience of life and the inevitability of death.
The image of the candle symbolises human life, with its brief flame representing the fleeting nature of our existence. Just as a candle's light is snuffed out, so too does life come to an end, leading us into the eternal darkness of death. This metaphor highlights the transience of life, serving as a reminder that our time on earth is limited and often filled with empty pursuits.
Macbeth's soliloquy invites us to consider the impermanence of life and the futility of chasing earthly desires. It encourages us to reflect on our own mortality and the fleeting nature of our passions and ambitions. By acknowledging the transience of life, we can learn to appreciate the present moment and find meaning in our existence, despite the knowledge that it will eventually come to an end.
Accepting the transience of life can be challenging, especially when faced with the loss of loved ones or the instability of relationships. It is natural to feel fear and loss when confronted with the impermanent nature of existence. However, by embracing these emotions and learning from them, we can grow and move forward. Instead of clinging desperately to life, we can strive to appreciate the present and accept the constant changes that life brings.
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The futility of ambition
Macbeth, the character in Shakespeare's play of the same name, says the line "Out, out, brief candle" during his soliloquy, "Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow". In this soliloquy, Macbeth reflects on the futility of his ambition, a central theme of the play.
Macbeth's pursuit of his ambition to become king ultimately leads to his downfall and the destruction of those around him, including his wife, Lady Macbeth. Through Macbeth's character, Shakespeare explores the dangers of unchecked ambition and the idea that it can never truly be satisfied. In the soliloquy, Macbeth laments that life is short like a "brief candle", and that all the passion and ambition that fuels our actions are ultimately meaningless in the face of death.
The imagery of the candle and the actor on a stage highlights the transience of life and the futility of ambition. Just as a candle's light is brief and soon gives way to darkness, so too is life fleeting, ending in the eternal night of death. Macbeth's realisation that his ambitious pursuits have been futile underscores the tragic nature of his character and the play as a whole.
Lady Macbeth also embodies the theme of ambition run amok. She is ambitious not only for herself but also for her husband, and it is her persuasive powers that drive Macbeth to murder King Duncan. However, their ambitious natures and shared guilt eventually tear their marriage apart.
Shakespeare's exploration of ambition in "Macbeth" serves as a cautionary tale, demonstrating how unchecked ambition can lead to destruction and downfall. The soliloquy "Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow", with its famous line "Out, out, brief candle", encapsulates the tragic realisation of the futility of ambition in the face of life's brevity and the inevitability of death.
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The inevitability of death
In Shakespeare's tragedy, Macbeth, the protagonist utters the famous phrase, "Out, out, brief candle," during a soliloquy titled "Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow." This phrase encapsulates Macbeth's contemplation on the inevitability of death and the fleeting nature of life.
The metaphor of the "brief candle" symbolizes the transience of life. Macbeth, in his disillusionment, views his life as a candle that has almost burnt down, emphasizing the brevity of existence. This image of the candle conveys the idea that life is short and inconsequential compared to the vast darkness of death that awaits us all. It is a stark reminder of our mortality and the inevitable extinguishing of our life's flame.
During this soliloquy, Macbeth reflects on the futility of his pursuits and the meaninglessness of his ambitions. He has climbed the ladder to become King of Scotland, only to realize that life is tedious and burdened, marching towards the inevitable destination of death. In this moment, he understands that his burning ambition to seize the throne was ultimately meaningless in the grand scheme of mortality.
The soliloquy also draws parallels between life and theatre. Macbeth compares life to actors on a stage, portraying the passions and anguish of human existence. However, once the curtain falls, the actors simply go home, leaving their characters' struggles behind. This analogy underscores the fleeting nature of life and the insignificance of our passions in the face of death.
Macbeth's contemplation on the inevitability of death is a powerful reminder of our own mortality. It invites us to question the meaning of our pursuits and the transient nature of our existence. Through Macbeth's words, Shakespeare presents a profound exploration of life's fragility and the certainty of our eventual demise.
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Frequently asked questions
Macbeth says this phrase in a soliloquy in Act 5, Scene 5 of the play.
The phrase is a metaphor, with the candle representing human life. The burning candle symbolises the brevity and fragility of life, which can be easily and quickly extinguished.
Macbeth delivers this soliloquy in response to the news of his wife, Lady Macbeth's death. He reflects on the fleeting and meaningless nature of life, equating it to a candle that can be snuffed out.
The soliloquy highlights Macbeth's disillusionment and despair as he grapples with the idea that life is short, meaningless, and often filled with suffering. It underscores the futility of his ambitions and serves as a moment of realisation for the character.
