The Reflection on Power and Death (Macbeth)

Themes: Classical, Death, Macbeth, Power, Shakespeare
Length: 1 Minute
Gender: Male

[Macbeth, after hearing of his wife’s death, delivers this soliloquy with a mixture of resignation and despair. His voice is heavy with the weight of his actions and the futility of life. The castle is dimly lit, casting long shadows, as Macbeth stands alone, reflecting on the transient nature of power and existence.]

She should have died hereafter;
There would have been a time for such a word.
To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow,
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. Thou comest to use thy tongue;
Thy story quickly.