The Hamlet Podcast Episode 75 - To Be or Not To Be
Mar 3, 2019
Dive into the depths of Hamlet's iconic soliloquy as its existential themes are explored. The discussion unpacks the intricate relationship between life, death, and suffering, posing profound questions about human existence. Delve into the character's struggles and what it means to confront authority and justice. Personal anecdotes intertwine with Shakespeare's timeless insights, making it clear why these themes continue to resonate with audiences today.
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The Question's Deliberate Ambiguity
- Shakespeare's 'To be or not to be' purposely asks a broad question that can mean living, suicide, or killing Claudius.
- The line's genius is that it suggests many legitimate, conflicting interpretations without resolving them.
Speech At A Crucial Turning Point
- The speech follows three earlier soliloquies that each focus on different catalysts for Hamlet's thought.
- These previous soliloquies build toward action, making this meditation occur at a critical decision point.
Meter Mirrors Mind
- The line is an 11-syllable iambic line with a feminine ending that signals hesitation.
- Shakespeare uses this metrical 'extra' syllable to show Hamlet's pause and unsettled mind.