Tomorrow, and tomorrow and tomorrow creeps in this petty pace from day to day

To remember this quote use the following mnemonic.

Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow.

She gets home late and creeps in wearing this petticoat. 

I've been pacing up and down the high street from yesterday to today.

"Tomorrow, and tomorrow and tomorrow creeps in this petty pace from day to day." These words come from Macbeth after he hears of Lady Macbeth's death, Act 5, scene 5, line 18.

Meaning

• "Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow" - Macbeth emphasizes the endless repetition of days, showing his despair and weariness. 

• "Creeps in this petty pace from day to day" - Time moves forward slowly and meaninglessly, reinforcing his hopelessness. 

• Overall interpretation - Macbeth feels that life has become empty and meaningless. He once fought for power, but now, as his world collapses, he sees life as pointless.

Exam Advice

• Context - Macbeth has lost everything - his wife, his power and his sense of purpose. This speech reflects his growing nihilism. 

• Theme of fate and meaninglessness - Macbeth once believed in destiny, but now he sees life as insignificant. 

• Imagery and tone - The word "creeps" suggests slow, painful movement, reinforcing a sense of futility. 

• Contrast with earlier Macbeth - Earlier in the play, Macbeth was ambitious and determined. Now, he is resigned and disillusioned. 

• Foreshadowing the end (a warning of future events) - This speech comes just before Macbeth's final battle and his death, emphasizing his loss of hope.