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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.