Question

Summarize Hamlet's "To Be or Not to Be" soliloquy and explain how this speech develops the play’s themes. Your answer should be at least one hundred words.

Answer 1

Hamlet's "To Be or Not to Be" soliloquy has to do with his pondering on the meaning of life. He is thinking whether he should continue living this wretched life, riddled with death and pain, or whether he should end it all and commit suicide. He doesn't see the point in living anymore, and feels it would be so much easier if he were dead. He has been hesitant throughout the entire play but this is his turning point.

Ultimately, he decides he is going to continue living in order to pursue his revenge. He doesn't hesitate any longer after this soliloquy - he is determined to go through with his plan and bring his uncle to justice. He wants to give him the death Claudius gave to his father, but in the end, everyone dies due to his strong hatred.