“Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow”
This haunting phrase, perhaps one of the most recognizable lines in English literature, originates from William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Macbeth. Specifically, it appears in Act V, Scene V, delivered by the titular character following the news of his wife, Lady Macbeth’s, death. The complete line reads, “Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow, creeps in this petty pace from day to day.” This is not merely a lament; it is a profound meditation on the nature of time, meaning, and the futility of human ambition.
Meaning
At its core, “Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow” expresses a deep sense of weariness and despair. Macbeth, having reached the pinnacle of his power through ruthless violence, finds no satisfaction. The repetition of “tomorrow” emphasizes the relentless and monotonous passage of time, stretching endlessly before him. It is not a hopeful anticipation of future days, but a bleak acknowledgement that each successive day will be as empty and meaningless as the last. He sees life as a series of trivial events leading inevitably to death. It is a recognition that all striving, all ambition, ultimately amounts to nothing in the face of mortality.
Detailed Analysis
Context within Macbeth
To understand the weight of these words, consider the circumstances. Macbeth has just learned of Lady Macbeth’s death, a woman who was instrumental in his rise to power but also plagued by guilt and madness. He is also facing a growing army determined to overthrow him. The speech is delivered in a quiet, introspective soliloquy, not in a moment of action or grand pronouncements. This intimacy highlights the personal despair beneath the façade of a powerful king. The “petty pace” suggests not just the slow march of time, but the insignificance of human endeavors within the grand scheme of existence.
Thematic Resonance
The phrase resonates with several key themes in Macbeth. The play explores the dangers of unchecked ambition, the corrosive effects of guilt, and the illusion of control. Macbeth’s speech reveals the hollowness at the heart of his ambition. He pursued power relentlessly, believing it would bring him happiness, but now realizes it has only brought him emptiness. The repetition of “tomorrow” also connects to the theme of fate versus free will. Macbeth, having consulted the witches, believed he could control his destiny, but his speech suggests he now feels trapped by it, a prisoner of time and circumstance. His life has become a cycle of meaningless days, dictated by fate rather than his own choices.
Beyond the Play
The power of this line lies in its universality. While rooted in the specific context of Macbeth, it speaks to a fundamental human experience: the awareness of mortality and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe. It captures the feeling of being trapped in a relentless cycle, where each day blends into the next without purpose or direction. This is why the phrase continues to be quoted and referenced in literature, film, and everyday conversation.
Literary Devices and Techniques
Repetition
The most obvious literary device is repetition. The three‑fold repetition of “tomorrow” is not merely emphatic; it is hypnotic. It creates a sense of monotony and inevitability, mirroring the relentless passage of time. This technique also draws attention to the phrase itself, imprinting it on the audience’s mind and amplifying its emotional impact.
Metaphor
The entire speech is rich in metaphor. Life is presented as a “walking shadow, a poor player” that struts and frets its hours. This metaphorical language reduces the grandeur of human existence to something trivial and fleeting. The comparison to an actor suggests that life is a performance, a role played on a stage, and ultimately forgotten.
Imagery
Shakespeare paints vivid images such as the fleeting, fragile nature of a candle flame that burns only for a brief moment. He likens life to a walking shadow that slips across the stage of existence, reminding the audience of mortality’s inevitability and the transience of all endeavors.
Beyond the Literary
While deeply embedded in Shakespearean tragedy, the phrase “Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow” has permeated broader culture. It is often used to express feelings of cynicism, hopelessness, or resignation. It has become a shorthand for recognizing the futility of certain endeavors or the inevitability of negative outcomes. One might hear it used in response to setbacks, disappointments, or simply as a commentary on the relentless march of time.
Influence on other works
The phrase has been referenced and adapted in countless works of art, literature, and music. Its enduring power lies in its ability to capture a profound and universal human experience. The sentiment echoes in many modern works grappling with existential themes, demonstrating its timeless relevance.
Conclusion
“Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow” is more than just a famous line from a play. It is a powerful meditation on the nature of time, meaning, and the human condition. Through masterful use of literary devices and profound emotional resonance, Shakespeare crafted a phrase that continues to capture the imagination and stir the souls of readers and audiences centuries later. It remains a potent reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the enduring search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.