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By William Shakespeare. (from Hamlet, spoken by Hamlet) To be, or not to be, that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer. The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles. And by opposing end them. To die—to sleep, No more; and by a sleep to say we end.
Learn about the famous soliloquy in Shakespeare's Hamlet, where Prince Hamlet contemplates death and suicide. Compare the different versions of the speech from the First Quarto, the Second Quarto and the First Folio.
Be all my sins remember’d. Meg Matthias. ‘To be, or not to be’ is the opening line of a monologue spoken by the character Hamlet in Act III, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s revenge tragedy Hamlet (c. 1599–1601).
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- Why Is ‘To Be Or Not to Be’ So Important?
- Why Does Hamlet Say ‘To Be Or Not to Be’?
- Is ‘To Be Or Not to Be’ A Metaphor?
- What Is Shakespeare Saying in ‘To Be Or Not to Be’?
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‘To be or not to be’ is not important in itself but it has gained tremendous significance in that it is perhaps the most famous phrase in all the words of the playwright considered to be the greatest writer in the English language. It is also significant in the play, Hamlet, itself in that it goes directly to the heart of the play’s meaning.
To be or not to be’ is a soliloquy of Hamlet’s – meaning that although he is speaking aloud to the audience none of the other characters can hear him. Soliloquies were a convention of Elizabethan playswhere characters spoke their thoughts to the audience. Hamlet says ‘To be or not to be’ because he is questioning the value of life and asking himsel...
The line ‘To be or not to be’ is very straightforward and direct, and has no metaphorical aspect at all. It’s a simple statement made up of five two-letter words and one of three – it’s so simple that a child in the early stages of learning to read can read it. Together with the sentence that follows it – ‘that is the question – it is a simple ques...
In the ‘To be or not be to’ soliloquy Shakespeare has his Hamlet character speak theses famous lines. Hamlet is wondering whether he should continue to be, meaning to exist or remain alive, or to not exist – in other words, commit suicide. His thoughts about that develop in the rest of the soliloquy.
Learn the meaning and context of Hamlet's famous speech on life and death, with a modern translation and full explanation. Explore the themes, language and performances of this Shakespearean masterpiece.
Explore the meaning and context of Hamlet's famous quote, "To be, or not to be, that is the question", from Act 3, Scene 1 of Shakespeare's tragedy. Learn about the literary devices, structure, and historical context of this soliloquy that expresses existential crisis.
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To be, or not to be, that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by...
Read the famous speech from William Shakespeare's play Hamlet, where the protagonist ponders whether to live or die. Explore the themes of fate, free will, and existential crisis in this classic poem.
