Seth Killian

Shakespeare
Cerny C Block
Hamlet Act 3 Alt. Theory
It has been accepted by most scholars that Hamlets famous To be, or not to be
speech references his thoughts on suicide. However, there is a unique
perspective that is plausible as well. First, it seems unrealistic that Hamlet would
legitimately contemplate suicide at this point in the play. The initial shock would
have already passed, and Hamlet would have most likely moved through the
stages of grief and any drastic measures such as suicide. Assuming that his
speech is not in fact a soliloquy, the alternate interpretation would be that Hamlet
is aware of Claudius (and potentially in some cases Poloniuss) presence and is
using it as an opportunity to scare/intimidate/let Claudius know that Hamlet
knows he killed Hamlets and is contemplating killing him.
The opening line To be, or not to be: that is the question can be interpreted as
Hamlet openly asking if Claudius should be; thus contemplating if he should live
or die. The next lines Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and
arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by
opposing end them? is Hamlet contemplating if he should bare his fortune as a
result of Claudiuss actions or to end the sea of troubles which can be interpreted
as Hamlet referencing to Claudius, as he is responsible for killing Hamlets father,
taking Hamlets rightful place on the throne, and marrying his mother. There is
also reference of the laws delay which is another reference to Hamlet has
the right to the throne but doesnt get it because of Claudius.
Hamlet then moves to contemplate if he should kill him, because he does not
know what is after death for Claudius, and potentially for Hamlet if he kills him.
In the case that Polonius was present as well, it would make sense to include the
phrase the pangs of despised love as it could potentially be Hamlet telling
Polonius that he blames him for his relationship with Ophelia as well.