The attempt and not the deed confounds us

The attempt and not the deed confounds us

In William Shakespeare's play Macbeth, the famous line "The attempt and not the deed confounds us" is spoken by Lady Macbeth as she reflects on her husband's hesitation to commit the murder of King Duncan. This line encapsulates a central theme of the play, which is the idea that the mere act of attempting to do something can be just as damaging as actually carrying it out.

Lady Macbeth's frustration with her husband's indecision reflects her belief that it is better to act decisively, even if the action is morally wrong, than to be paralyzed by doubt and uncertainty. She believes that the act of attempting to commit a crime is what truly confounds us, as it exposes our innermost fears and desires and forces us to confront the consequences of our actions.

Throughout the play, Macbeth struggles with his own conscience as he grapples with the decision to murder Duncan in order to fulfill the witches' prophecy. His internal conflict is a result of his fear of the consequences of his actions, as well as his own moral compass that tells him that murder is wrong. In the end, it is Macbeth's attempt to commit the murder that ultimately leads to his downfall, as he is consumed by guilt and paranoia in the aftermath of the deed.

The theme of the attempt and not the deed confounding us is not limited to Macbeth, but can be seen throughout Shakespeare's works. In Hamlet, for example, the title character struggles with the decision to avenge his father's murder, and his hesitation ultimately leads to his own demise. Similarly, in Othello, the attempt to manipulate and deceive others leads to tragic consequences for all involved.

Overall, Shakespeare's exploration of the theme of the attempt and not the deed confounding us serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of considering the consequences of our actions before we act. It is a cautionary tale that reminds us that our intentions and motivations are just as important as the outcomes of our actions, and that the attempt to do something can be just as damaging as actually doing it.