William Shakespeare gifted the world countless memorable lines. His words explore love, loss, ambition, and fate. One of his most profound quotes comes from the tragic play Macbeth. The line, “Come what come may, Time and the hour runs through the roughest day,” captures a powerful truth. It speaks to the relentless march of time and the human struggle with destiny. This quote offers a glimpse into a character’s mind at a crucial turning point.
The Stage is Set: Context in Macbeth
To truly understand the quote, we must look at its context. Macbeth speaks these words in Act 1, Scene 3. The scene opens on a desolate heath. Macbeth and his fellow general, Banquo, have just won a great victory in battle. As they cross the moor, they encounter three strange figures: the Three Witches. These witches deliver a startling prophecy.
They hail Macbeth first as Thane of Glamis, which he already is. Then they call him Thane of Cawdor, a title he does not hold. Finally, they prophesy he will be king. For Banquo, they offer a riddle. He will not be king himself, but his descendants will be. The witches then vanish, leaving the two men stunned and confused. Their confusion does not last long. Two noblemen, Ross and Angus, arrive with a message from King Duncan. They inform Macbeth that the king has named him the new Thane of Cawdor. The previous thane was a traitor and has been executed.
A Mind in Turmoil
The witches’ first prophecy has come true. This shocking confirmation sends Macbeth’s mind reeling. If he is now Thane of Cawdor, could he also become king? The thought immediately ignites his ambition. He begins to contemplate what it would take to seize the throne. The idea of murdering the good King Duncan, his kinsman and guest, horrifies him. He calls it a “horrid image” that makes his hair stand on end. Torn between his ambition and his conscience, he tries to push the thoughts away. It is in this moment of intense internal conflict that he utters the famous line. He decides, for a moment, to leave things to fate.
Breaking Down the Bard’s Words
The quote is a rhyming couplet that concludes Macbeth’s soliloquy. Its language seems simple, but it carries immense weight. Let’s examine each part to uncover its deeper meaning.
“Come what come may…”
This phrase is an expression of surrender to destiny. It means “let whatever is going to happen, happen.” Macbeth is essentially saying he will not interfere. If chance wants him to be king, then chance can make it happen without his help. This sentiment reflects a passive acceptance of fate. He is overwhelmed by the witches’ prophecy and the dark thoughts it has inspired. For a brief moment, he resolves to let events unfold naturally. It is a fleeting attempt to absolve himself of the terrible choices that lie ahead.
“…Time and the hour runs through the roughest day.”
This second line reinforces the first. It is a powerful statement about the inevitability of time. No matter how difficult, chaotic, or terrible a day is, it will eventually end. The phrase “Time and the hour” is a tautology, using two similar words to emphasize the relentless, forward movement of time. It suggests that time is a force of nature that resolves all things. It will carry us through any hardship. For Macbeth, this could mean that time itself will bring about the prophecy’s fulfillment. This idea provides him with a temporary sense of comfort and a reason to remain passive.
Fate, Ambition, and the Inevitability of Time
The quote is central to Macbeth‘s exploration of fate versus free will. Does destiny control our lives, or do our choices shape our future? Macbeth’s line suggests a belief in fate. He considers letting “chance” crown him. However, this resolve is short-lived. His ambition, stoked by his wife, Lady Macbeth, soon overpowers his patience. He chooses to act, seizing his destiny by murdering Duncan. The quote, therefore, marks the last moment of his relative innocence before he commits to a path of bloodshed.
This line stands in stark contrast to his later actions. It highlights the tragedy of his downfall. He had the option to wait and see what fate had in store. Instead, he chose violence and betrayal. The