The repeated line “tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow” is best known from William Shakespeare’s play Macbeth. In Act 5, Scene 5, the character Macbeth delivers a famous soliloquy that begins “Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,” reflecting on the futility of life. Outside of Shakespeare, the phrase or close paraphrases appear in other writers’ work, but the most authoritative and widely recognized source is Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
Origin in Shakespeare’s Macbeth
In Macbeth, the passage in which the line appears is spoken by Macbeth after learning of his wife’s death. The speech moves from personal grief to philosophical reflection on time and human endeavor. The opening of the soliloquy is one of the most quoted passages in English literature and has shaped how the phrase is remembered. Contemporary editions of the play present the text in modern spelling, while earlier forms appear in facsimiles and scholarly editions of the First Folio.
Full Text of the Soliloquy
| Line | Text (modern spelling) |
|---|---|
| 1 | Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow, |
| 2 | Creeps in this petty pace from day to day, |
| 3 | To the last syllable of recorded time; |
| 4 | And all our yesterdays have lighted fools | 5 | The way to dusty death. |
| 6 | Out, out, brief candle! |
| 7 | Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player |
| 8 | That struts and frets his hour upon the stage |
| 9 | And then is heard no more: |
| 10 | It is a tale told by an idiot, |
| 11 | Full of sound and fury, |
| 12 | Signifying nothing. |
Earlier and Related Uses
While Shakespeare’s version is the most prominent, writers have used similar cadences before and after Macbeth. In some cases, the phrasing appears with slight variations, but the structure and rhythm are closely associated with Shakespeare. No clear, fully independent earlier occurrence that matches the exact repetition in the Macbeth passage has been established in authoritative sources.
Common Misattributions and Confusions
- Not an ancient proverb: The line is not a classical proverb or traditional saying; it originates in a specific literary work.
- Not a popularized quote from another play: Although Shakespeare uses recurring motifs of time and fate, this precise phrasing is particular to Macbeth.
- Parodies and references: Later works sometimes echo the line for rhetorical effect, which can create the impression of broader original authorship.
Usage in Modern Contexts
Today the line is frequently quoted in literature, film, and political commentary to evoke themes of inevitability, repetition, and the passage of time. Citation in modern works should generally attribute the line to Shakespeare and specify Macbeth as the source, unless parody or deliberate alteration is intended.
Comparison with Similar Lines from Shakespeare
| Work | Line or Theme | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Macbeth | “Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow…” | Macbeth’s soliloquy on fate and futility after Lady Macbeth’s death. |
| Hamlet | “The time is out of joint…” | Hamlet’s opening reflection on disorder and inaction. |
| King Lear | “O reason not the need…” | Lear’s reflection on poverty and human resilience. |
Key Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Author | William Shakespeare | Dramatist, First Folio (1623) |
| Work | Macbeth | Play, tragedy, circa 1606 |
| Scene | Act 5, Scene 5 | Late-period soliloquy |
| Line Phrase | “Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow” | Modern spelling in edited texts |
| Theme | Futility of time and human ambition | Dramatic and philosophical motif |
How to Cite the Line
In academic or formal writing, reference the line as from Shakespeare’s Macbeth, specifying act, scene, and line numbers when possible (e.g., Macbeth 5.5.17–28 in standard editions). Include edition details when precision is required. When reproducing the exact wording, consult a reliable text such as The Arden Shakespeare or The Folger Shakespeare Library edition.
Why This Question Persists
Because the line is widely quoted and often used out of its original context, readers encounter it in diverse settings and assume it may come from proverbs, modern speeches, or other authors. Clarifying the true origin helps preserve accurate attribution and supports responsible quotation in both creative and scholarly work.