Macbeth seems obsessed with the concept of time but it's often difficult to take away any definitive conclusions about the play's overall position on the theme. There are, however, several allusions to the idea that time literally comes to a halt when Macbeth murders King Duncan and takes the throne. Macduff's final remark that the "time is free" (now that Macbeth is defeated and Malcolm is set to take his rightful position as hereditary monarch) suggests a relationship between the seeming disruption in linear time and the disruption of lineal succession. The idea is that the country has no future without a rightful and competent ruler at the helm.
Questions About Time
- What is the weird sisters' relationship to time? Are they the only figures capable of seeing into the future?
- What happens to time when King Duncan is murdered?
- What kind of future does Lady Macbeth imagine for herself and her husband?
- How is Shakespeare's interest in representing the past (11th century Scottish history) in Macbeth relate the play's overall portrayal of time?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Although Macbeth did everything in his power to secure his future on earth, by the end of the play, time has lost all meaning.
In Macbeth time comes to a complete halt and the "hours" are thrown out of joint when King Duncan is murdered. It is only when Macbeth is defeated that time is restored.
