To Be Or Not To Be

" To be, or not to be ... " Prince Hamlet, Hamlet, III, i, 105 The most notable line by Hamlet in William Shakespeare's play Hamlet is " To be, or not to be, that is the question." Hamlet's statement defines the central theme of the play and provides the reader with insight into Hamlet's psychological dilemma. His self-inquiry is a projection of what will occur in the play. Again and again, Shakespeare brings us back to Hamlet's plight: can …

…action. This trait of only acting when other events force decisions illustrates Hamlet's weakness and inability to kill King Claudius even when given an opportune moment. This indecisive weakness of resolve can be summed up in the pensive thought "to be or not to be." This is the ultimate question of "Who is there?" that underscores the indecision that plagues Hamlet throughout the play. This character flaw ultimately leads to his own demise. Bibliography none