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Here, Macbeth realizes that his pitiful existence, from the moment he decided to kill King Duncan to the moment when his beloved wife killed herself, has been destroyed by his reckless ambition. Shadows are gone as soon as they appear, and actors only assume their character: the people they represent have no true meaning. The metaphors Shakespeare uses, comparing life to a "walking shadow" and man to "a poor player" emphasize the fleeting nature of life.

He goes on to compare people to actors who worry about their brief moment in the spotlight only to cease to exist before they realize it is over. In other words, Macbeth compares his existence to the condition of being a mere ghost. When Lady Macbeth kills herself, Macbeth states, "Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more" (V.V.19-28). If Macbeth had been content with his previous title, which was prestigious enough, a host of tragedy would have been avoided. This directly shows the damaging power of ambition.

This is where you tie your thoughts together in a nice bow.Įx: Here, Macbeth realizes that his pitiful existence, from the moment he decided to kill King Duncan to the moment when his beloved wife killed herself, has been consumed by his reckless ambition. Explain the significance.Tell the reader why they bothered to read your essay. Show the importance of the quote with respect to your argument and your thesis. Look at the subtle parts of the quote, and explain why the author used them in his writing-Tone, diction, mood, figurative language (metaphors, similes, imagery, alliteration, onomatopoeia, personification.there are A LOT).Įx: The metaphors Shakespeare uses, comparing life to a "walking shadow" and man to "a poor player" emphasize the fleeting nature of life. He goes on to compare people to actors who worry about their brief moment in the spotlight only to cease to exist before he realizes his life is over. It is vitally important to maintain the same meaning:Įx: In other words, Macbeth compares his existence to the condition of being a mere ghost. Ways to paraphraseĭirectly look at quote and replace the text with your words. Įx: Macbeth pines over his miserable fate, calling life a "walking shadow" (citation). (Your own words) "direct quotes from book". When (event in book) happened, (character) states, "."Įx: When Lady Macbeth kills herself, Macbeth states, "Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more (V.V.19-20).
