Like a dull actor now I have forgot my part and I am out, even to a full disgrace

Like a dull actor now I have forgot my part and I am out, even to a full disgrace

The line "Like a dull actor now I have forgot my part and I am out, even to a full disgrace" is from William Shakespeare's play "Macbeth." These words are spoken by Macbeth himself in Act 5, Scene 5 of the play. In this scene, Macbeth is reflecting on his life and the choices he has made that have led him to his current state of despair and downfall.

The metaphor of a dull actor forgetting his part is a powerful one, as it suggests that Macbeth feels as though he has lost his way and is no longer in control of his own destiny. He sees himself as a mere player in a larger drama, unable to remember his lines or fulfill his role. This sense of helplessness and resignation is further emphasized by the phrase "even to a full disgrace," which implies that Macbeth has not only failed in his ambitions but has also brought shame upon himself.

Throughout the play, Macbeth's character undergoes a dramatic transformation from a noble and honorable warrior to a ruthless and power-hungry tyrant. His ambition and desire for power lead him to commit heinous acts, including the murder of King Duncan and the slaughter of innocent women and children. As the play progresses, Macbeth becomes increasingly isolated and paranoid, haunted by guilt and plagued by visions of the ghosts of his victims.

By the time he utters these words in Act 5, Macbeth has lost everything he once held dear – his honor, his integrity, and his humanity. He is a broken man, consumed by regret and despair, and he knows that his downfall is imminent. The line "Like a dull actor now I have forgot my part and I am out, even to a full disgrace" encapsulates Macbeth's sense of futility and resignation, as he realizes that he has lost not only the game of power but also his own soul.