Analyzing Hamlet S to Be Or Not to Be Soliloquy s1

Analyzing Hamlet’s “To Be or Not To Be” Soliloquy English IV AP / Mrs. Ramos

There are varying ways to interpret Hamlet’s most famous soliloquy. Your interpretation will have to be based on what you know of Hamlet’s situation, and what you believe he might think about life based on his character. Use the steps below to uncover what Hamlet seems to be saying about his life, its importance or unimportance, and the nature of the afterlife.

On your copy of the soliloquy:

1. Take the soliloquy five lines at a time and paraphrase what Hamlet seems to be thinking.

2. Locate imagery that refers to the uncertainty of death.

3. Identify imagery that refers to the negative experiences of life.

4. Locate and mark evidence of the following comparisons: A. life on earth = a battle B. afterlife = undiscovered territory Looking at these metaphors together, what C. life = color; death = shadowy / pale conclusions about life and death does Hamlet seem to be drawing? Note your D. death = ??? ideas in your text.

5. Identify at least three oppositions present in the arguments Hamlet makes. Mark them in your text.

HOMEWORK RESPONSE: Write your ideas about the following question: What conflict does Hamlet seem to be most burdened with at this point in the drama? Justify your response with the use of your own commentary as well as quotations from the soliloquy.