A row of copper nails driven flush into a plank, with the last nail still standing up.

Original artwork, not a still

Macbeth ‧ 1623

William Shakespeare

If it were done, when 'tis done, then 'twere well it were done quickly.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

The speaker says swift action would be preferable if doing the deed could also bring it entirely to an end. That condition matters: the line questions whether consequences can really stop with the act itself. Its repeated forms of “done” turn apparent decisiveness into uncertainty.

Context reviewed

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