Republic of the Philippines

CAPIZ STATE UNIVERSITY

Pontevedra, Capiz
Telefax: 6340-144

Diotay, Jojo PROF. MARIEN LAURETO

BSEd IV ENGLISH COURSE SPECIALIST

Comprehension Questions:

1. What is the soliloquy all about?

2. “To Be or Not To Be” Which part of the story did he say that? What was he thinking
about that time?

Answers:

1. According to Brandon Johnson (2017), the topic of Hamlet's soliloquy is his

consideration of committing suicide. Throughout the speech, it is obvious that Hamlet is over
thinking and wavering between two different extremes: life and death. “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” (3, 1, 56-60). In this quotation, Hamlet wonders whether he
should live or suffer the hardships that his life has to offer him or die in order to end the
suffering.

2. According to Brandon Johnson (2017), the “To Be or Not To Be” speech in the play,
“Hamlet,” portrays Hamlet as a very confused man. He is very unsure of himself and his
thoughts often waver between two extremes due to his relatively strange personality. In the
monologue, he contemplates whether or not he should continue or end his own life. He also
considers seeking revenge for his father’s death. Evidence of his uncertainty and over thinking is
not only shown in this speech, but it also can be referenced in other important parts of the play.

Reflections:

In response to Hamlet's soliloquy, it is apparent that Hamlet believes that life is

synonymous to suffering. God has given man gifts to serve for the betterment and perfection not
only for the individual man but for all humanity of which he is inseparably a member. But why
do humans still suffer? According to our philosophy teacher, humans suffer because of the
consequences of their choices. He then gave an example about my classmate noticeable cough in
class. “Why do you have a cough right now?” he asked. “Maybe, you drink or eat something that
made your throat itchy,” he also answered. In connection to this, I think whatever is the weight
of your sufferings, you still have to live your life meaningfully and don’t ever attempt to kill
yourself because killing your own life is likewise a sin as killing others. Find ways to make your
life fruitful. As what my literature teacher emphasized, “Focus on what lies ahead and let
tomorrow worry for itself.”