Out, damned spot! Out, I say! And all our yesterdays have lighted fools the way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!

Out, damned spot! Out, I say! And all our yesterdays have lighted fools the way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!

The famous lines "Out, damned spot! Out, I say! And all our yesterdays have lighted fools the way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!" are from William Shakespeare's play Macbeth. These words are spoken by Lady Macbeth as she struggles with guilt and madness after she and her husband have committed a series of murders in their quest for power.

The phrase "Out, damned spot!" is a powerful and haunting image that captures Lady Macbeth's desperate attempt to rid herself of the guilt and bloodstains that she feels are consuming her. The word "spot" refers to the metaphorical stain of guilt that she cannot wash away, no matter how hard she tries. This line is often interpreted as a reflection of the psychological torment that Lady Macbeth experiences as a result of her actions.

The next part of the quote, "And all our yesterdays have lighted fools the way to dusty death," reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. Lady Macbeth is acknowledging the consequences of their actions and the fact that all people, no matter how powerful or ambitious, will eventually meet their end. This line serves as a reminder of the impermanence of life and the futility of striving for power and glory.

Finally, the phrase "Out, out, brief candle!" is a metaphor for the brevity of life. Lady Macbeth is lamenting the shortness of life and the fact that all of our accomplishments and ambitions will eventually be extinguished, much like a candle burning out. This line serves as a poignant reminder of the transience of human existence and the inevitability of death.

Overall, these lines from Macbeth capture the themes of guilt, ambition, and mortality that are central to the play. They serve as a powerful reminder of the consequences of unchecked ambition and the fragility of human life. Shakespeare's words continue to resonate with audiences today, reminding us of the timeless truths about the human condition that he so masterfully captured in his works.