It was the owl that shriek'd, the fatal bellman, which gives the stern'st good-night

It was the owl that shriek'd, the fatal bellman, which gives the stern'st good-night

In William Shakespeare's play Macbeth, the line "It was the owl that shriek'd, the fatal bellman, which gives the stern'st good-night" is spoken by Lady Macbeth in Act 2, Scene 2. This line is significant as it foreshadows the impending doom and darkness that will soon envelop the characters in the play.

The owl is often associated with death and darkness in literature, and in this context, it serves as a harbinger of the tragic events that are about to unfold. Lady Macbeth's reference to the owl as the "fatal bellman" further emphasizes the ominous nature of the creature's cry. The term "bellman" refers to a person who rings a bell to announce a death or other important event, and in this case, the owl's shriek is likened to the tolling of a bell signaling the end of someone's life.

The use of the word "stern'st" in the line also adds to the sense of foreboding and finality. It suggests that the owl's cry is not just a simple goodnight, but a final farewell to the characters' innocence and peace. The darkness and death that the owl represents will soon descend upon Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, leading them down a path of destruction and despair.

Shakespeare often uses nature and animals as symbols in his plays to convey deeper meanings and themes. In Macbeth, the owl's cry serves as a reminder of the characters' guilt and the consequences of their actions. It is a chilling reminder that their deeds will not go unpunished and that they will ultimately pay the price for their ambition and greed.

Overall, the line "It was the owl that shriek'd, the fatal bellman, which gives the stern'st good-night" encapsulates the dark and ominous tone of Macbeth and sets the stage for the tragic events that will unfold. It serves as a warning to the characters and the audience that their actions will have grave consequences, and that they will soon face the consequences of their choices.