1. “To be or not to be? That is the Question.”
Interactive Lecture on
Hamlet’s Soliloquy
Act 3, Scene 1
By: Alexis DeMott

2. What type of drama is Hamlet?
Prior Knowledge:
What type of drama is Hamlet?
Comedy
Historical
Tragedy

3. Prior Knowledge
2. Which of the following is not true in the play Hamlet?
Hamlet is seeking revenge for his father’s death.
Hamlet faces internal conflicts within himself
Hamlet is only interested in being with Ophelia

4. Prior Knowledge
3. Which of the following is a reason for Hamlet’s hatred of Claudius?
Claudius murdered King Hamlet
Claudius is marrying Gertrude
Claudius stole the throne from Hamlet
All of the above

5. 4. Hamlet experiences fits of madness, true or false?
Prior Knowledge:
4. Hamlet experiences fits of madness, true or false?

6. Prior Knowledge: 5. Which of the following is not a theme in Hamlet?
Love conquers all
Certainty in life is impossible
Death is an unknown mystery

7. What is a Soliloquy?
“an act of speaking one's thoughts aloud when by oneself or regardless of any hearers, especially by a character in a play”
(dictionary.com)

8. “To be or not to Be” Analysis
Themes:
-Uncertainty of life and action
-Death is unknowable
-Questioning of the worth of pain and struggles
-Death as a form of release
Influences on Hamlet:
Ophelia
His mother
Unjust death of his father
Claudius corruption
Conflicted action

9. Questions: What is Hamlet contemplating throughout this soliloquy?
According to Hamlet, why might death be preferable?
According to Hamlet, why isn’t death preferable?
Does Hamlet come to a decision? Why or why not?

10. Video Comparison
1. Mel Gibson’s Portrayal:

11. Video Comparison:
2. Kenneth Branagh’s Portrayal:

12. Questions:
Did watching the soliloquy being performed help your understanding? Why or why not?
Which version of Hamlet did you prefer and why?
How did the change of setting affect Hamlet’s soliloquy?
Which video presented the themes we went over more effectively? How so?