The phrase "petty pace" describes a slow, insignificant, and ultimately meaningless progression of time or life, reflecting a sense of futility and unfulfillment. It implies that existence is cheap, insignificant, and lacking in genuine value.
Origin in Shakespeare's Macbeth
The evocative phrase "petty pace" originates from William Shakespeare's tragedy, Macbeth. It appears in Macbeth's famous "Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow" soliloquy (Act 5, Scene 5), delivered after he learns of his wife's death. In this profound speech, Macbeth expresses deep despair and a nihilistic view of life, lamenting its fleeting and pointless nature.
He observes how time "creeps" along, disparaging its seemingly slow, monotonous, and inconsequential passage. Macbeth uses "petty pace" to characterize not just time itself, but metaphorically, the daily lives of individuals, which are measured out in an endless sequence of ordinary "tomorrows."
For context, you can explore the full soliloquy from reliable sources such as the Folger Shakespeare Library or the MIT Shakespeare collection.
Deeper Interpretation of "Petty Pace"
When Macbeth refers to life as a "petty pace," he strips it of any grandeur or purpose. The term encompasses a range of negative connotations, portraying existence as something:
- Cheap: Lacking inherent worth or value, easily dismissed.
- Mean: Of poor quality, meager, or even unkind in its indifference.
- Ungenerous: Offering little in terms of joy, fulfillment, or meaningful experience.
- Inconsequential: Of little or no importance; having no significant impact.
- Insignificant: Too small or unimportant to be worth consideration or attention.
This perspective highlights a profound disillusionment, where the routine of life is seen as a monotonous crawl towards an inevitable, meaningless end.
Characteristics of a "Petty Pace"
To further illustrate the multifaceted meaning, consider the following aspects:
| Characteristic | Implication in "Petty Pace" |
|---|---|
| Monotony | Repetitive, unvarying days that offer no new insights or purpose. |
| Futility | Actions and efforts feel pointless, leading nowhere. |
| Insipidness | Life is bland, uninteresting, and devoid of passion. |
| Lack of Impact | Individual existence has no lasting effect on the grand scheme. |
| Diminishment | Life progressively shrinks in meaning rather than expanding. |
Significance and Impact
The phrase "petty pace" powerfully conveys a sense of universal despair, resonating beyond the play's context to describe moments when individuals feel overwhelmed by the apparent insignificance of their own lives or the passage of time. It remains a poignant reminder of the human struggle to find meaning and purpose in an existence that can, at times, feel utterly trivial.
