Out, out brief candle

Definition

The phrase 'out, out brief candle' comes from Macbeth, a tragedy by William Shakespeare, where it symbolizes the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. This metaphor highlights the fragility of existence and the darkness that follows the extinguishing of a life, tying into the broader themes of mortality and despair prevalent in major tragedies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Out, out brief candle' reflects Macbeth's despair after the death of Lady Macbeth, illustrating how quickly life can end and how insignificant it can seem.
2. The imagery of a candle symbolizes not only life but also hope and enlightenment, which are extinguished in darkness.
3. This phrase occurs in Act 5, Scene 5, marking a critical moment in the play when Macbeth confronts the futility of his ambitions and the inevitability of death.
4. The use of 'brief' emphasizes the transient nature of life, suggesting that human existence is both precious and easily snuffed out.
5. Shakespeare often employs similar motifs throughout his tragedies to underscore themes of fate, human suffering, and existential contemplation.

Review Questions

• How does the phrase 'out, out brief candle' reflect the central themes of mortality in major tragedies?
  • 'Out, out brief candle' encapsulates the theme of mortality by illustrating how life is fragile and fleeting. In tragedies like Macbeth, characters often grapple with the consequences of their actions and the reality of death. This line serves as a poignant reminder that life can be extinguished suddenly, mirroring the tragic endings that define this genre.
• Analyze how Shakespeare uses the imagery of light and darkness in 'out, out brief candle' to convey emotional depth in Macbeth.
  • In 'out, out brief candle', Shakespeare contrasts light and darkness to symbolize life and death. The candle represents hope, clarity, and existence, while its extinguishment signifies despair and oblivion. This imagery deepens Macbeth's emotional turmoil as he realizes that his ambitions have led to destruction and that life is ultimately transient and meaningless.
• Evaluate the significance of soliloquies in understanding key phrases like 'out, out brief candle' in Shakespeare's tragedies.
  • Soliloquies are crucial for unpacking phrases like 'out, out brief candle', as they provide insight into a character's inner thoughts and feelings. In Macbeth, this line reveals Macbeth's profound sense of loss and disillusionment after Lady Macbeth's death. By presenting his reflections through soliloquy, Shakespeare allows the audience to connect with the character's existential crisis, emphasizing how tragic circumstances lead to profound realizations about life's brevity.

Related terms

Tragedy: A genre of drama that presents serious themes and often leads to a catastrophic ending for the protagonist, typically involving their downfall.

Macbeth: A tragedy by William Shakespeare that explores ambition, guilt, and the supernatural, centered around the character Macbeth's rise to power and subsequent fall.

Soliloquy: A dramatic device where a character speaks their thoughts aloud, often revealing inner conflicts and emotions, commonly used in tragedies.