“ To be, or not to be, that is the Question ”
William Shakespeare, Hamlet (1623). copy citation
| Author | William Shakespeare |
|---|---|
| Source | Hamlet |
| Topic | life dilemma suicide death |
| Date | 1623 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, Act III, Scene 1 |
| Note | Hamlet line |
| Weblink | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/To_be,_or_not_to_be http://shakespeare.mit.edu/hamlet/hamlet.3.1.html |
Meaning and analysis
Kwize Master
These are the opening words of the very famous Hamlet soliloquy, and probably one of the best-known lines in English. While Hamlet is not alone on the stage (but considers himself alone), he wonders about death and life, suffering from the murder of his father and the need for revenge he feels.
« To be, or not to be » has been heavily quoted in numerous works. Moreover, the « that is the question » pattern is often used to express the idea of dilemma, by replacing « be » with another term.
useful
useless
