Compassion Quote by William Shakespeare
““What if this cursed hand were thicker than itself with brother's blood, is there not rain enough in the sweet heavens to wash it white as snow? Whereto serves mercy but to confront the visage of offense? And what's in prayer but this twofold force, to be forestalled ere we come to fall, or pardoned being down? Then I'll look up. My fault is past. But, O, what form of prayer can serve my tern? 'Forgive me my foul murder'?””
About This Quote
Source Play: The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act 5, Scene 1, 1606
A tormented soul seeks absolution, questioning whether divine mercy can cleanse deep guilt and violent deeds.
In simple terms: Seeking forgiveness for terrible actions.
Key Takeaway
Confess and seek genuine remorse.
Themes
guilt
redemption
prayer
violence
Mood
anguished
hopeful
Type
dramatic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- courtroom confession
- personal reflection
- religious ritual
Key Concepts
moral conflict
spiritual cleansing
psychological torment
Questions to Reflect On
- Can true repentance exist without atonement?
- What role does divine mercy play in human guilt?
A Different Perspective
Prayer alone may not erase the weight of murder.
