This is one of Shakespeare's most famous soliloquies, spoken by Hamlet in Act 3, Scene 1 of the play. The soliloquy is filled with powerful imagery and rhetorical questions that capture its audience.
Hamlet's Famous To Be or Not to Be Soliloquy
Soliloquy: A speech in a play that is meant to be heard by the audience but not by the other characters on stage. Adversity: A difficult or unpleasant situation or set of circumstances. Rhetorical Question: A question posed for its persuasive effect rather than for an answer.
Concepts:
The full quote from Hamlet is 'To be, or not to be: that is the question.' The soliloquy has been referenced in many movies, books and TV shows. 'To be or not to be' was voted as the 17th greatest movie line of all time by magazine readers.
Fun facts:
In Hamlet's To be or not to be soliloquy, what is he considering?
Work together in pairs: What does Hamlet's "To be or not to be" soliloquy suggest about life and death?
What is the main subject of Hamlet's 'To be, or not to be' soliloquy?
- Life and death
- Love and betrayal
- Revenge and justice
- God and faith