2006-06-30 03:22:22 · 14 answers · asked by areen s 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
The phrase "to be, or not to be" originates from a famous Shakespearean soliloquy by the main protagonist Prince Hamlet from The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark in the first scene of Act Three. In it, Hamlet contemplates the pros and cons of continuing life ("To be") or preferring death ("not to be"). Some commentators have read it as a debate on suicide. Other commentators have argued that it is a description of how one's ideas and visions seldom seem to come to fruition, due to one's own indecisiveness. This speech is perhaps not only the most famous soliloquy in the whole of Shakespeare's works, but perhaps also in world literature.
2006-06-30 03:29:01 · answer #1 · answered by Isaac Hayes 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
To be or not to be? Without thinking of Hamlet, in everyday life we all have to ask ourselves this question daily. It simply states that we all have the freedom of choice. No matter what the circumstance may be.
Example:
A really cool guy asks you out Friday night, the only problem is your best friend has a huge crush on this guy, so your mind has to ponder on all the consequences of your answer. To go or not to go?
If you don't go you may never have the chance again, and if you do you may lose your best friend.
2006-06-30 03:41:01 · answer #2 · answered by Redneck Mom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The asker is in a state of serious dilemma - facing the choice between the devil and the deep sea.
2006-06-30 06:07:09 · answer #3 · answered by das.ganesh 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It basically asks the rhetorical question of whether or not you have the will and spirit of life enough to be YOU. Do you have the personal courage to manifest yourself to your highest potential in life, do you want to be alive, that kind of thing...
2006-06-30 03:29:02 · answer #4 · answered by gokart121 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has almost the same meaning as " This way or no way". That means there is no second option, no escape...
2006-06-30 03:27:37 · answer #5 · answered by Blackflower 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is the question
It is a choice of two paths
Where a choice will decide what is to be and what won't be.
2006-06-30 05:30:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
To be who you are in a positive way.
2006-06-30 20:21:12 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
To be sane or to give into the insanity of killing his uncle.
2006-06-30 03:45:27 · answer #8 · answered by doc 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my opinion....it could have two explanations.......
1) to exist or not to exist
2) to fully realize your dreams, and be come who you want to be....or not
2006-06-30 03:55:05 · answer #9 · answered by xqueenyx 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is you are something or either something else. If its true or if its not true. Its actually stating the opposite.
2006-06-30 03:26:44 · answer #10 · answered by vinible2006 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋