Overview
This lecture analyzes Hamlet’s famous soliloquy, exploring themes of existence, suffering, mortality, and the fear of the unknown after death.
The Central Question of Existence
- "To be or not to be" introduces the dilemma of whether to continue living or to end one's life.
- The soliloquy examines if enduring life's hardships is more noble than resisting them through drastic action.
Suffering and Endurance
- Life brings unavoidable pain ("slings and arrows of outrageous fortune") that must be either endured or opposed.
- The idea of ending suffering by choosing death is described as a "devoutly to be wished" consummation.
Death and the Afterlife
- Death is likened to sleep, with the possibility of dreams representing the unknown afterlife.
- The uncertainty of "what dreams may come" after death causes hesitation.
Reasons for Enduring Life
- People endure life's hardships (e.g., oppression, insults, unrequited love, injustice, bureaucratic arrogance) rather than risk the unknown of death.
- The fear of the undiscovered country (afterlife) deters people from taking their own lives.
The Role of Conscience and Thought
- Conscience makes people fear and hesitate, turning bold intentions into inaction.
- Overthinking weakens the resolve ("native hue of resolution") and causes hesitation, leading to lost opportunities for action.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Soliloquy — a speech in a play where a character speaks their thoughts aloud.
- Mortal coil — human life and its struggles.
- Consummation — a perfect end or completion.
- Bodkin — a small pointed instrument, here symbolizing a dagger or suicide.
- Undiscovered country — a metaphor for the afterlife.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the text of Hamlet’s soliloquy for deeper understanding.
- Reflect on personal interpretations of the themes discussed.