>"Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player\nThat struts and frets his hour upon the stage\nAnd then is heard no more. It is a tale\nTold by an idiot, full of sound and fury,\nSignifying nothing."
In the context of Macbeth, these words refer to the futility and emptiness of human life. The play is full of violence, ambition, and chaos, but ultimately, all of it leads to nothing. Macbeth's pursuit of power and his eventual downfall are just a "sound and fury" that signify nothing.
However, the title takes on a broader meaning when used in other works. It often signifies:
* Meaningless action: The title implies that despite great noise and effort, there's ultimately no substance or lasting meaning to the events.
* Emotional turmoil: "Sound and fury" can also be a metaphor for intense emotions, especially anger and despair, that are ultimately destructive.
* Illusions: The phrase can also suggest that life is full of illusions and appearances that mask the true nature of reality.
Therefore, when a work uses the title "Sound and Fury," it invites the reader to consider the nature of meaning, action, and emotion in a world that may be ultimately empty and futile.