Question

Referring to details from his famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy, explain the reasons Hamlet gives for not ending his troubles with a 'bare bodkin'. In your answer, discuss also what this speech reveals about what Hamlet is struggling with?

Answer 1

Answer:

He debated between the choice of either dying or living, but then he questions the mere death by a dagger is something that is too frugal for the life that one has already lived. The speech shows his internal dilemma in what he really wanted to do.

Explanation:

The "To Be Or Not To Be" soliloquy of Hamlet is from Act III scene i of the play "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare. This soliloquy also presents an insight into the internal dilemma of the young prince over his decision to exact revenge on his father's killer.

In his soliloquy, Hamlet talks of his dilemma whether to kill himself or to live. He questions whether it is better to let things go as they are or fight against all the troubles in one's life. Dying is just like sleeping, to "end  The heartache and the thousand natural shocks  That flesh is heir to". And even though it is easier to end everything with just a simple flash of the dagger into oneself, he again considers if one is really struggling through life just to end everything with a "bare bodkin".

This speech of Hamlet reveals how he actually feels stuck in his decision, whether to be rid of all troubles by ending his life, or maybe hanging on to life. He also reveals his internal struggle within himself as to what he really ought to do so, whether it will be better to kill himself or live and try to make things right by going forward with his revenge plan.