Out, out brief candle! William Shakespeare Quotation Early 17th century England 0 0 0 0 Write the first comment Meaning This poignant line spoken by Macbeth reflects on the transient, ephemeral nature of life. Macbeth compares life to a candle that can be easily snuffed out, signifying the inevitable end of existence. The brevity of life and the inevitability of death are central themes here. Using "candle" as a metaphor, Macbeth conveys his despair and sense of meaninglessness after hearing of his wife’s death. It encapsulates the notion that life is ultimately short and fraught with inevitable darkness. Allegory The candle in the image represents the fragility and brevity of life. Its weak light struggling against the encroaching darkness symbolizes the ephemeral nature of existence and the inevitability of death. The dancing shadows are a metaphor for the fleeting moments and memories that constitute life. The distant figure reflects on these ideas, embodying a meditative stance on the transient nature of human existence, much like Macbeth in his soliloquy. The color gradient from warm to cool hues accentuates the inevitability of life succumbing to time and darkness, thus visually encapsulating the profound message of the phrase. Applicability This phrase can be applied as a reminder of life's short duration and the importance of making the most out of each moment. It's a call to focus on what truly matters and appreciate the time we have, fostering a mindset that values presence and mindfulness over material pursuits and other fleeting concerns. Impact This line has had a phenomenal impact on literature and popular culture. It has been frequently quoted to express the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. The themes of "Macbeth" resonate strongly with existential questions that continue to be relevant, influencing countless works of literature, theater, and film. Historical Context "Macbeth" was written around 1606 during the early 17th century, a period characterized by significant political and social upheaval. Shakespeare's world was transitioning from the Renaissance into the early modern period, and themes of mortality, ambition, and existential reflection were highly pertinent. Criticisms Criticisms and controversies concerning this phrase often revolve around existential interpretations and whether life should be considered meaningless because of its brevity. Some argue that such a nihilistic view can dismiss the inherent value of life's experiences and relationships. Variations Across different cultures, the metaphor of a candle to represent life is quite prevalent. For instance, in many Eastern philosophies, the idea of life being transient is represented through the metaphor of a flickering flame. Various traditions interpret the brevity of life differently, focusing either on a spiritual journey or on the importance of the present moment. Go back to the description 280 characters left Send Comment No Comments The golden age is before us, not behind us. Ralph Waldo Emerson Read more Beware the Ides of March. William Shakespeare Read more Double, double toil and trouble; fire burn and cauldron bubble. William Shakespeare Read more What is past is prologue. William Shakespeare Read more Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once. William Shakespeare Read more The course of true love never did run smooth. William Shakespeare Read more Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears. William Shakespeare Read more All that glisters is not gold. William Shakespeare Read more O brave new world, that has such people in't! William Shakespeare Read more A little more than kin, and less than kind. William Shakespeare Read more Brevity is the soul of wit. William Shakespeare Read more The lady doth protest too much, methinks. William Shakespeare Read more You'll be able to save your preferences and post comments. You'll be able to save your preferences and post comments. Sign in with: or with your email address: Email Password Sign in Loading... Name Insert your name or nick (3 to 20 char). Email Insert a valid email address to be verified. Password 8+ chars, 1 uppercase, 1 lowercase, 1 number, 1 special @$!%*?_+ Clicking the Create account button will send you a verification email. Create account New here? Sign up. Previous Close
Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once. William Shakespeare Read more