Out, out brief candle!

Definition

'Out, out brief candle!' is a famous line from Shakespeare's play Macbeth, spoken by the character Macbeth in Act 5, Scene 5. This phrase symbolizes the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. It reflects Macbeth's profound despair and realization of the futility of existence following the death of Lady Macbeth. The metaphor of a candle being extinguished highlights themes of mortality and the transient quality of human life, which are central to many of Shakespeare's works.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Out, out brief candle!' encapsulates Macbeth's despair over the loss of his wife and the futility he feels as he confronts his impending doom.
2. The line serves as a metaphor for life being as fragile and temporary as a candle flame, which can be easily snuffed out.
3. This moment in the play marks a turning point for Macbeth, highlighting his descent into nihilism as he grapples with the consequences of his actions.
4. The imagery in this line reflects broader themes in Shakespeare's work, particularly the fragility of human existence and the inevitability of death.
5. The phrase is often quoted in discussions about existentialism and the human condition, illustrating its enduring relevance beyond its original context.

Review Questions

• How does the line 'out, out brief candle!' relate to the themes of ambition and guilt within Macbeth?
  • The line 'out, out brief candle!' directly connects to the themes of ambition and guilt by showcasing Macbeth's realization that his unchecked ambition has led to tragedy and loss. After achieving his goal through heinous acts, he finds himself filled with guilt over Lady Macbeth's death, which prompts this existential reflection. This moment illustrates how ambition can lead to one's downfall, culminating in feelings of despair as he confronts the darkness created by his own choices.
• Analyze how Shakespeare uses soliloquy in Macbeth to convey complex emotions, particularly in relation to 'out, out brief candle!'.
  • 'Out, out brief candle!' is delivered as part of a soliloquy that reveals Macbeth's internal struggle and emotional turmoil. Through this device, Shakespeare allows audiences to witness Macbeth’s profound sadness and existential crisis in real time. The soliloquy format enables a deeper understanding of his character's psyche, as it strips away external influences and focuses solely on his reflections about life’s brevity and his own inevitable demise.
• Evaluate the significance of 'out, out brief candle!' within the larger context of Shakespearean tragedy and its commentary on human existence.
  • 'Out, out brief candle!' serves as a powerful commentary on human existence within the framework of Shakespearean tragedy. This line encapsulates the core themes often found in these works: the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. By emphasizing life's fleeting nature through vivid imagery, Shakespeare invites audiences to contemplate their own mortality while showcasing how tragic flaws lead to irreversible consequences. This reflection on existence remains relevant across time periods, prompting ongoing discussions about purpose and meaning in life.

Related terms

Macbeth:

'Macbeth' is one of Shakespeare's most well-known tragedies that explores themes of ambition, guilt, and fate through the story of a Scottish nobleman who becomes a tyrant after receiving a prophecy.

Soliloquy: 'Soliloquy' is a dramatic device where a character speaks their thoughts aloud while alone on stage, revealing inner emotions and motivations to the audience.

Tragedy: 'Tragedy' is a genre of literature that depicts serious themes and often involves the downfall of the main character due to a tragic flaw or fate.