What's Done Is Done Macbeth

What's Done is Done: Exploring Irretrievability and Moral Decay in Macbeth

Macbeth, Shakespeare's chilling tragedy, is a play obsessed with the past. Not simply the historical past of Scotland, but the personal past of its characters, specifically Macbeth's relentless grappling with the consequences of his regicide. The recurring phrase, "What's done is done," seemingly offers a bleak acceptance of fate, a resignation to the irreversible nature of his actions. However, a closer examination reveals a far more nuanced and complex relationship with this statement, one that underscores the play's exploration of guilt, ambition, and the impossibility of escaping the moral weight of one's choices. This essay will delve into the multifaceted meaning of "What's done is done" in Macbeth, exploring its evolution throughout the play and its implications for understanding the play's central themes.

The Initial Attempt at Reconciliation: A False Sense of Security

The first utterance of "What's done is done" comes from Lady Macbeth in Act III, Scene II, after the murder of Banquo. Haunted by the escalating violence and the growing sense of paranoia, she attempts to bolster her husband's flagging spirit. This early iteration serves as a desperate attempt to create a sense of closure, to bury the past and move forward. It is a superficial calming mantra, a desperate plea to silence the gnawing guilt that is beginning to consume them both. At this point, the phrase acts as a coping mechanism, a denial of the true weight of their actions. Lady Macbeth, ever the pragmatist, believes that focusing on the future, consolidating their power, is the only way to survive. She is, however, tragically mistaken. The past, far from being buried, will relentlessly haunt them both.

This initial use of the phrase highlights the play's central theme of the irretrievability of actions. Once the deed is done, the path back to innocence is irrevocably lost. The murder of Duncan, though initially fueled by ambition and the witches' prophecies, sets in motion a chain of events that spirals out of control, leading to further bloodshed and ultimately, destruction. The attempt to bury the past only serves to accelerate their downfall. Their attempts to control the narrative, to manipulate events and people, ultimately fail. The consequences of their actions relentlessly pursue them.

The Crushing Weight of Guilt: A Descent into Madness

As the play progresses, the meaning of "What's done is done" shifts dramatically. The false sense of security offered by the initial utterance crumbles under the weight of guilt and paranoia. Lady Macbeth, initially the stronger and more ruthless of the two, begins to unravel. Sleepwalking scenes reveal the devastating impact of their actions on her psyche. The bloodstains she obsessively tries to wash away are a potent symbol of the indelible stain on her soul. The phrase, when it appears later, lacks the earlier bravado. It becomes a mournful lament rather than a defiant assertion.

Macbeth himself experiences a similar transformation. His initial ambition, fueled by the witches’ prophecies and Lady Macbeth's manipulation, gives way to a profound sense of isolation and fear. He becomes increasingly paranoid, resorting to violence as a means of maintaining control. His famous soliloquies reveal a man wrestling with his conscience, haunted by the ghosts of his victims. The "What's done is done" no longer provides solace; it becomes a grim acknowledgement of his inescapable fate, a statement of utter despair. The past, instead of being a closed chapter, has become a living, breathing entity, shaping his present and dictating his future.

The Inevitability of Fate versus the Consequences of Choice

A crucial aspect of understanding "What's done is done" in Macbeth lies in exploring the interplay between fate and free will. The witches' prophecies undoubtedly play a significant role in Macbeth's downfall, but they do not determine his actions. He chooses to heed their predictions, to actively pursue ambition and power, even at the cost of his morality and his soul. The play, therefore, is not simply a deterministic tragedy, but a powerful exploration of the consequences of human choices.

The phrase "What's done is done" can be interpreted as an acknowledgement of both fate and free will. The actions themselves, the murders and betrayals, are undeniably Macbeth's choices. However, the inescapable consequences that follow might be seen as a predetermined fate, a grim reaping of what he has sown. This ambiguity is crucial to the play’s power. It forces the audience to confront the complex relationship between human agency and the seemingly immutable forces of destiny. It suggests that while our choices may have a profound impact on our lives, certain consequences may feel inevitable, regardless of our efforts to escape them.

The Role of Supernatural Elements: The Weight of Prophecy

The witches' prophecies act as a catalyst for Macbeth's ambition, but they are also ambiguous and manipulative. They do not force Macbeth to commit regicide; they merely plant the seed of ambition, exploiting his existing flaws and desires. The prophecies contribute to the sense of inevitability surrounding Macbeth's downfall, but they don't negate his culpability. The ambiguous nature of the prophecies adds to the complexity of the phrase "What's done is done." It suggests that even with supernatural interference, the weight of moral responsibility remains solely with Macbeth. He chooses to interpret the prophecies in a way that validates his ambition, actively shaping his destiny through his own actions. The witches’ role serves to highlight the human capacity for self-destruction, the ability to interpret ambiguous signs to suit our desires, even when those desires lead to ruin.

The Lack of Redemption: A Tragic End

Unlike some Shakespearean tragedies where a degree of redemption is possible, Macbeth offers little solace. There is no moment of genuine repentance, no turning back from the path of violence and destruction. The repeated use of "What's done is done" reflects this lack of redemption. It is not a pathway to acceptance and forgiveness, but rather a chilling acknowledgment of the irreversible nature of Macbeth's actions and the tragic consequences that follow. The play’s ending emphasizes the ultimate futility of trying to outrun the past; it’s a stark reminder that even when all seems lost, the consequences of our choices continue to shape our reality.

The Enduring Legacy: A Timeless Exploration of Guilt and Ambition

The enduring power of Macbeth lies in its timeless exploration of human ambition, guilt, and the consequences of our actions. The phrase "What's done is done," far from being a simple statement of resignation, becomes a multi-layered symbol representing the psychological and moral complexities of the play. It speaks to the human struggle to reconcile with the past, the weight of guilt, and the inescapable consequences of our choices. It is a statement that resonates deeply with audiences across centuries, prompting reflection on the moral choices we make and the lasting impact they have on ourselves and the world around us.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the significance of the repeated use of "What's done is done" in Macbeth? The repetition underscores the play's central theme of the irretrievability of actions. It evolves from a false sense of security to a statement of despair, reflecting the characters' growing awareness of the weight of their guilt and the impossibility of escaping the consequences of their choices.

• How does the phrase relate to the themes of fate and free will? The phrase acknowledges both. Macbeth's actions are his own choices, but the inescapable consequences that follow can be interpreted as a predetermined fate, highlighting the complex interplay between human agency and destiny.

• How does Lady Macbeth's use of "What's done is done" differ from Macbeth's? Lady Macbeth initially uses it as a coping mechanism, a way to suppress guilt and maintain control. Macbeth's later use reflects a deeper understanding of the irreversible nature of his actions and the hopelessness of his situation.

• Why is there a lack of redemption in Macbeth? Unlike some Shakespearean tragedies, Macbeth emphasizes the irreversible nature of moral failings. There's no genuine repentance or turning back, reflecting the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition and violence.

• What is the lasting impact of "What's done is done" on the audience? The phrase prompts reflection on the moral choices we make, their lasting impact, and the difficulty of escaping the consequences of our actions. It serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring weight of the past.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Regret

In conclusion, "What's done is done" in Macbeth is far more than a simple phrase; it is a multifaceted symbol that encapsulates the play's central themes. It evolves throughout the narrative, reflecting the characters’ shifting understanding of guilt, ambition, and the irreversible nature of their choices. The phrase's ambiguity allows for diverse interpretations, highlighting the complex interplay between fate and free will and the enduring consequences of human action. The lasting impact of "What's done is done" lies in its capacity to evoke deep reflection on the moral choices we make and the indelible mark they leave on our lives and the lives of others, a legacy that continues to resonate with audiences centuries after the play's creation. The tragedy of Macbeth lies not just in the violence and bloodshed, but in the haunting realization that some actions, once committed, can never truly be undone, leaving behind an enduring legacy of regret and despair.