Act V, Scene 5 — Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow
from Macbeth
Written by William Shakespeare
Following the news of his wife's death, Macbeth delivers a nihilistic meditation on the meaninglessness of life and the relentless passage of time. He compares human existence to a brief candle and a poor actor who leaves no lasting mark.
MACBETH: 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
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