Tomorrow And Tomorrow And Tomorrow
Introduction
Soliloquy is the word we traditionally use to refer to monologue that is delivered when
the character is alone. The voice is louder and audible to the audience. In Shakespeare's plays,
soliloquy is quite common to express the feelings of a character. Here, in this play "Macbeth", in
act V, Scene V. Macbeth delivers his soliloquy after hearing the news about the death of his
wife, Lady Macbeth. The tone is sorrowful because he has loved his wife deeply.
Nature of Soliloquy
Generally soliloquies tend to have the effect of making us feel like getting access to the
character's true inner state. We assume that they are honest because they are talking to
themselves. Soliloquy makes the audience to connect with the character. There is no intellectual
logic but the poetical and imaginative logic makes the piece very tight and serious.
Treatment of Time
Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow' is one of the most famous soliloquies in William
Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth It is an unfavourable time to Macbeth because the scottish
troops led by Malcolm and Macduff are approaching Macbeth's castle to besiege it. Macbeth, is
confident that he can with-stand any siege from Malcolm's forces. He hears the cry of a woman
which is a bad omen to him as prophesied by the witches. As his mind is now filled with horror
and slaughterous thoughts, it no longer startle him.
Fatal End
Fate plays a vital role in the life of Macbeth. Seyton tells the bad news of Lady
Macbeth's death. Macbeth delivers this soliloquy as his response to the news. Shortly
afterwards, he is told of the apparent movement of Birnam wood towards Dunsinane castle as
prophesied to him by the witches. It is a scence of terror. Molcolm's forces disguise themselves
with tree branches to hide their original numbers when they approach the castle. It appears as if
the Bimam wood is moving towards the castle. Macbeth meets his miserable end at the hands
of Macduff.
Conclusion
The part played by three witches is a turning point in this play Encouraged by the
words of his wife, Macbeth kills Duncan. After he becomes a new king, he kills more people out
of paranoia His ambition leads him to his death at the end of the play.
CHARACTERS
1. MACBETH
Macbeth is the only character in Shakespearen tragedies who qualifies both as a hero and a
villain. As the play develops his heroism changes into villainy His bravery is obviously displayed
prior to the commencement of the play. The most redeeming features of Macbeth's character is
his glowing imagination and lively conscience. Although he murders the king. the forces of moral
and spiritual life do not wholly die in him. Towards the end of the play, he meets his death at the
hands of Macduff.
2. LADY MACBETH
Lady Macbeth has the greatest ambition, supremacy of will, cruelty and dissimulation among
Shakespearean heriones. She obviously does not lack courage. She has the paucity of intellect
in helping her husband to fulfil his ambition. She is very cunning and pretentious. She has a
remarkable presence of mind. She is responsible for the kingship of Macbeth. She meets her
end pathetically by committing suicide.
3. DUNCAN
Duncan is the ruler of scotland. He is a kind hearted old man. He treats his people with love and
affection. Benevolence and good will are his primary traits. He is very generous to praise the
good deeds of his generals. He confers the title Thane of Cawdor' on Macbeth for his success in
the battle. He trusts Macbeth so much. This costs him his life and puts scotland into turmoil.
4. BANQUO
Banquo is the general in Duncan's army. He is the exact opposite of Macbeth. His ambition is
controlled by moral uprighteousness and integrity. Even after meeting the evil spirits, Banquo
remains within the realms of decency and morality. Through Banquo Shakespeare shows the
greater involvement of essential goodness in life. He meets his fatal end at the hands of
murderer sent by Macbeth.
5. MACDUFF
Macduff is loyal to Duncan. Macduff is a minor character in the play. He discovers Duncan's
body and he soon becomes suspicious of Macbeth. He refuses to attend his coronation. Fearing
Macbeth's vengence, he flees to England to support Malcolm in his assault on Macbeth.
