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All Site ContentMacbethAct 5Scene 3
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"the yellow leaf"
Metaphor
Act 5,
Scene 3
Lines 19b-29

An explanation of the autumn imagery in Act 5, Scene 3 of myShakespeare’s Macbeth.

Macbeth

                                    Seyton! — I am sick at heart
When I behold — Seyton, I say! — This push
Will cheer me ever, or dis-seat me now.
I have lived long enough. My way of life
Is fall'n into the sear, the yellow leaf;
And that which should accompany old age,
As honor, love, obedience, troops of friends,
I must not look to have — but, in their stead:
Curses, not loud but deep, mouth-honor, breath
Which the poor heart would fain deny, and dare not.
... Seyton!

This metaphor uses autumnal imagery to address Macbeth’s situation. As Macbeth has reached middle age, his life has dried up, like a leaf turning yellow in the autumn. Furthermore, because of his actions, he can’t enjoy any of the fruits of old age—honor, love etc.