To Be

Of all of Shakespeare’s works, no piece of text is more well known than the soliloquy of Hamlet in act three, scene one. In this monologue, Shakespeare truly put the feeling of depression into words. His profound statements on death have been borrowed time and time again. Hamlet’s thoughts are not only useful when discussing depression, however. This soliloquy represents a more general idea; making a decision is much more difficult when its consequences are not understood.

The central idea of this soliloquy is put forward in the first phrase: “to be, or not to be, that is the question.” Hamlet is attempting to decide whether or not he should commit suicide, and he argues the point just as any might be argued. He expresses his desire to die and immediately counters himself with possible consequences of suicide, and he continues adding sound arguments to both sides.

His treatment of this topic is what allows such broad interpretation of his thoughts. There are several reasons why he feels compelled to commit suicide and several reasons that he feels that he shouldn’t. In the end, he does not have enough reason to act, so he defaults to inaction. This is made obvious when he says, “…enterprises of great pitch and moment / with this regard their currents turn awry / and lose the name of action.” It is very important to understand that he is not actively choosing to remain alive but simply doesn’t have enough reason to act. This theme is focused in his character throughout the play and it is presented through his inability to murder Claudius.

Some might empathize with what Hamlet says about death, but many more could empathize with his situation when applied in a broader context. Hamlet doesn’t have enough reason to act, so he does nothing. He is faced with a choice that he doesn’t fully understand. His situation represents the idea that a choice that is not understood cannot be made.