Meaning of "The Conqueror Worm" by Voltaire

In this poem, Voltaire uses the metaphor of a play within a theatre to symbolize the human experience as ultimately futile and tragic. The angels represent the higher powers observing and being saddened by the state of humanity, while the mimes represent humans who are mere puppets controlled by unknown forces. The Conqueror Worm, devouring the mimes, symbolizes death's inevitability and how it consumes all living beings despite their struggles and ambitions. The repetition of the word "out" emphasizes the finality of death, with the curtains symbolizing the end of life. Overall, the poem serves as a reflection on the struggles, sins, and ultimately the mortality that defines the human condition.