The quote, "To be or not to be" is the most universally known quote in Shakespeare, but not many know its actual context or the meaning it evokes. It is the opening phrase of Hamlet's soliloquy in the "Nunnery Scene"of William Shakespeare's play Hamlet. It gives insight to Hamlet's thoughts and internal feelings as well as allows the audience to capture his point of view. In saying, "To be or not to be", with literary techniques Hamlet addresses the recurrent theme of whether or not to fulfill his whole self in taking the act to avenge his uncle, King Claudius.
Shakespeare uses a soliloquy in this part of the text with metaphors to compound it. One of the main reasons Hamlet uses a soliloquy in this part of the play is so that only the audience can understand what Hamlet is going through. He does this particularly so that the other characters in the play can't connect with the thoughts and feelings of Hamlet. Of course many people miss the meaning behind the quote "To be or not to be". It is often thought that Hamlet is contemplating suicide, but its not that all. In fact, he is questioning if he should own up to being his whole self in killing King Claudius. Its obvious that Hamlet already has the answer.
Metaphors are utilized directly after "To be or not be" to captivate the audience's attention in looking back to the theme. The first is quote "The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" basically means the trials and tribulations of destiny. So, Hamlet is saying that are trials and tribulations in taking the action to kill King Claudius. He then contradicts that metaphor with another metaphor of "Or to take arms against a sea of trouble". This quote translates to fighting back against the obstacles that take part in killing King Claudius. These metaphors relate back to the original quote "To be or not to be". The first metaphor connects with "to be" and the second metaphor applies to "or not to be".
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