If it were done when 'tis done
[Under development: 3 June 2005 ]
Shakespeare expresses the importance of the 'striking while the iron is hot' best in Macbeth.
· Do you typically hesitate?
· Has hesitation served you well (for example by holding you back from impulsive action)?
Recognising that actions involve not only ends but also means, Macbeth hopes to conceal his means.
· For you, to what extent should the end ever be used to justify the means?
extract from Macbeth
If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well
It were done quickly: if the assassination
Could trammel up the consequence, and catch
With his surcease success; that but this blow
Might be the be-all and the end-all here,
But here, upon this bank and shoal of time,
We'd jump the life to come.
by William Shakespeare
