Just the soliloquies: Hamlet's "To be, or not to be" (analysis)

Summary

Carly Stevens, a teacher and author, delves into Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' in her English Nerd series, focusing on the famous 'To be or not to be' soliloquy. She explores Hamlet's contemplation of life and death, the metaphors of suffering versus action, and the fear of the unknown afterlife. Stevens discusses the soliloquy's themes of existential struggle and the impact of overthinking, emphasizing the significance of human decisions and the play's dark yet thought-provoking nature.

Takeaways

• 📚 Carly Stevens is a teacher and author who dives deep into Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', focusing on its soliloquies.
• 🎭 The 'To be, or not to be' soliloquy is the most famous and is explored in detail, starting with its central question about the value of life and death.
• 🤔 Hamlet contemplates whether it's nobler to endure life's hardships or to actively oppose them, even to the point of ending one's own life.
• 🌊 The soliloquy uses rich metaphors like 'a sea of troubles' and 'slings and arrows' to represent life's challenges.
• 💤 Death is likened to sleep, a peaceful end to life's suffering, but Hamlet worries about the unknown nature of dreams that may come after death.
• 🔄 The repetition of 'to sleep, to sleep' emphasizes Hamlet's contemplation on the act of dying and what it might entail.
• 😟 Hamlet's fear of the 'Undiscovered Country' (the afterlife) causes him to pause, reflecting on the uncertainty that makes life bearable despite its suffering.
• 🛡 The soliloquy also touches on societal ills like pride, contempt, and the abuse of power, which contribute to the 'calamity of so long life'.
• ⚔️ Hamlet's internal struggle with taking action, symbolized by the 'Bodkin' (dagger), represents his ongoing conflict with the idea of suicide.
• 🧠 The soliloquy reveals Hamlet's overthinking and how it saps the strength of his resolve, a recurring theme throughout the play.

Q & A

What is the main theme of Hamlet's 'To be or not to be' soliloquy?

The main theme of Hamlet's soliloquy is the contemplation of life and death, specifically whether it is better to endure life's hardships or to end them by dying.

How does Carly Stevens introduce the soliloquy series on her channel?

Carly Stevens introduces the soliloquy series by mentioning her previous series on Hamlet and stating her intention to focus solely on soliloquies from various plays, starting with Hamlet's famous 'To be or not to be' speech.

What is the significance of the phrase 'To be or not to be' in the soliloquy?

The phrase 'To be or not to be' is significant as it encapsulates Hamlet's existential dilemma throughout the soliloquy, pondering the question of whether it is better to live or to die.

What are the 'slings and arrows of outrageous fortune' referring to in the soliloquy?

The 'slings and arrows of outrageous fortune' refers to the various misfortunes and hardships that life throws at individuals, which Hamlet is considering whether to endure or to fight against.

How does Hamlet view death in the soliloquy?

In the soliloquy, Hamlet views death as a form of sleep, a peaceful state that ends the heartache and suffering of life, but he is also concerned about the unknown aspect of what comes after death.

What is the 'rub' that Hamlet refers to in the soliloquy?

The 'rub' Hamlet refers to is the potential for dreams or experiences after death, which are beyond his control, and this uncertainty makes him hesitate to choose death over life.

What does Carly Stevens suggest about Hamlet's character based on his soliloquy?

Carly Stevens suggests that Hamlet's character is deeply contemplative and conflicted, as he grapples with the decision of whether to endure life's suffering or to end it, highlighting his introspective nature.

What is the 'Undiscovered Country' mentioned by Hamlet?

The 'Undiscovered Country' is a metaphor for the afterlife or death, which Hamlet describes as unknown and uncertain, causing him to pause and consider the implications of suicide.

How does Carly Stevens interpret the line 'Conscience does make cowards of us all'?

Carly Stevens interprets 'Conscience does make cowards of us all' as Hamlet's reflection on how the awareness of right and wrong, or the fear of the unknown after death, can make people hesitate to take decisive actions, even when they are contemplating ending their own lives.

What does the soliloquy reveal about Hamlet's attitude towards life's hardships?

The soliloquy reveals that Hamlet is deeply troubled by life's hardships, such as the scorns of time, the pangs of despised love, and the insolence of office, which contribute to his contemplation of suicide as a means of escape.

How does Carly Stevens connect the soliloquy to the broader themes of Shakespeare's works?

Carly Stevens connects the soliloquy to the broader themes of Shakespeare's works by emphasizing the significance of human life and the struggle between the desire for peace and the fear of the unknown, which are prevalent in many of Shakespeare's plays.