Analysis Of Hamlet's Soliloquy

The “To be, or not to be” speech is easily the most famous soliloquy in the works of Shakespeare. In this monologue, complex philosophical ideas are expressed by Hamlet through the use of an intriguing introduction and profound concepts. The beginning six words of the soliloquy - to be, or not to be - immediately establish that Hamlet is contemplating the idea of life or death. The young man is considering the way one would deal with life, versus the way in which one deals with death. He begins this reflection by bringing up the fact that throughout life, one must deal with “the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” and “take arms against a sea of troubles.” By stating this, he is essentially saying that over the course of life, an individual

In the midst of this contemplation, he decides death, in a way, is empowering because by killing oneself, an individual would be taking action against the hardships dealt with. He assumes that death must be just like sleep, which could be an achievement to strive for. There is a downside to death though, the mystery surrounding the afterlife and what kind of dreams may come after death. This idea makes Hamlet worry and fear the unknown. He asks himself why someone would choose to power through life if they were not worried about what was to come for them afterward. Essentially, throughout this soliloquy, Hamlet is contemplating whether it is justified for him to live with the pain and agony he is feeling about his father’s death, or if ending his life would be the best possible option. This monologue is showing the audience that Hamlet is dealing with a dilemma surrounding the act of living or

His feelings of sorrow and misery leading up to this deliberation were originally caused by the death of his father. Because of the fact that Hamlet believes he it is necessary for him to avenge his father’s murder and take revenge on Claudius. It is very difficult for Hamlet to deal with these powerful emotions, so he often questions his bravery and courage. Prior to this soliloquy, Hamlet expresses the fact that he believes himself to be a coward because he has not yet killed Claudius. It is both physically and emotionally damaging for the young man to deal with this responsibility, causing him to contemplate suicide. As he discusses these feelings, he also considers the fact that suicide is a sin, which would lead to eternal damnation. This intensifies and adds dimension to his fear of the unknown after death. Throughout the play, Hamlet is dealing with internal conflict regarding expectations of his religion. The ghost of his father wishes for him to commit murder and kill Claudius, but he questions the veracity of the information given to him by the ghost. Because of this uncertainty, Hamlet suffers from inaction, which causes his constant distress. This ultimately leads up to the “To be, or not to be” soliloquy, which comes full circle in the discussion of inner conflict regarding