what does it mean to put out brief candle macbeth

lucas.M

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23-01-2025

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What Does "Put Out Brief Candle" Mean in Macbeth?

Shakespeare's Macbeth is filled with potent imagery, and the line "put out brief candle" is a particularly striking example. This seemingly simple phrase, spoken by Macbeth in the play's final act, carries profound meaning about life, death, and the consequences of ambition. This article will delve into the interpretation of this famous quote and its context within the play.

Understanding the Context

Macbeth utters these words in Act 5, Scene 5, after learning of his wife's death. He's received news of Lady Macbeth's demise, a woman who was instrumental in his rise to power and descent into madness. His earlier ambition, fueled by the witches' prophecies and his wife's encouragement, has resulted in bloodshed, betrayal, and ultimately, his own downfall.

The line "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" precedes "put out brief candle." This passage already expresses a profound sense of disillusionment and despair. He views life as meaningless, a fleeting performance.

The "brief candle" imagery immediately follows this nihilistic reflection. The candle represents life itself, short and fragile, easily extinguished. The word "brief" emphasizes the fleeting nature of human existence. The act of "putting out" the candle symbolizes death, the inevitable end of this short life.

Interpretations of "Put Out Brief Candle"

Several interpretations emerge from this powerful metaphor:

• The fragility of life: The candle's vulnerability highlights the inherent fragility and precariousness of life. Macbeth, facing his own mortality and the loss of his wife, recognizes the ephemeral nature of existence. His ambition, once a burning flame, has been consumed, leaving only ashes.

• The futility of ambition: The extinguished candle can also symbolize the futility of Macbeth's ambition. His relentless pursuit of power led to suffering and destruction, ultimately leaving him with nothing. The candle's brief burning reflects the ephemeral nature of worldly power and glory.

• A lament for Lady Macbeth: The line also serves as a lament for Lady Macbeth. Her death marks the extinguishing of another life, a life intertwined with Macbeth's own. The "brief candle" can be interpreted as a poignant reflection on her tragically short and tormented existence.

• Acceptance of fate: In a sense, the line can be seen as an acceptance of fate. Macbeth, realizing the futility of his actions and the inevitable end of life, finally succumbs to the reality of his situation.

The Larger Significance within Macbeth

"Put out brief candle" is more than just a metaphor; it's a key element in the play's central themes. It underscores Shakespeare's exploration of:

• The corrupting influence of power: Macbeth's tragic downfall is a stark warning about the corrupting nature of unchecked ambition. The "brief candle" signifies the ultimately empty pursuit of power.

• The fleeting nature of life: The play constantly reminds us of life's brevity and the importance of living meaningfully. Macbeth's final words serve as a reminder of this essential truth.

• The consequences of unchecked ambition: Macbeth’s actions, spurred by his ambition, resulted in devastation, highlighting the importance of moral conscience and ethical behavior.

Conclusion

"Put out brief candle" in Macbeth is not merely a poetic phrase; it’s a powerful symbol that encapsulates the play's central themes of ambition, mortality, and the transient nature of human existence. Macbeth's lament reflects a profound understanding of life’s fragility and the ultimately empty pursuit of power. The image of the extinguished candle remains a potent and enduring symbol of human mortality and the consequences of unchecked ambition.