The meaning of "To Be Or Not To Be"

[Guest Eagan469]

We have to act out Hamlet's "To Be Or Not To Be" speech in class tomorrow, but in a creative way, and interpreting the dialogue as what we think it means. I'm a comedic guy, but my partner for the project is a complete drone. I was thinking of doing this:

 

Me: Hamlet

Rob (my partner): TV Newscaster

 

(Rob is reporting back live on camera about a labor union strike, and fielding comments from passerby (me))

 

Rob: This is Rob Beck, Eyewitness News. I'm coming to you live from downtown Buffalo to get reactions on the labor dispute.

(sees me)

You sir!

 

(I'm visably shaking and nursing a bottle of pills)

Hamlet: Yes? Look, Im on television! (gesture)

 

Rob: Sir, can I have your opinio....

 

Hamlet: My dad died (shaking, noticibly upset)

 

Rob: I'm very sorry sir, but...

 

Hamlet: My mom married my UNCLE (takes more pills)

 

Rob: SIR! About the la....

 

Hamlet: My lady, yes, dear Ophelia, whatever shall I do?

 

Rob: (hand to ear) I'm afraid we're gonna to have to cut this short...

 

Hamlet: Do you have any money?

 

Rob: What for?

 

Hamlet: A gun. (looks at Rob psychotically, then ponders to himself in maniacal way)

 

Rob: This is Rob Beck, Eyewitness News

 

See, this would suggest I'm thinking of killing Claudius, while also contemplating suicide.

 

Any comments/suggestions?

[Guest raptor]

I always thought the phrase "To Be Or Not To Be" was Hamlet struggling with what he had to do. Hid ultimate task, would indeed cause him "Not To Be."

[Guest Kahran Ramsus]

I always thought the phrase "To Be Or Not To Be" was Hamlet struggling with what he had to do. Hid ultimate task, would indeed cause him "Not To Be."

No. He is talking about suicide.

[Guest J*ingus]

Yeah, the whole speech is about suicide, though I've sometimes thought that there might be a subtle subtext in there, where Hamlet might actually be thinking of just forgetting about the whole damn thing and giving up on his mission.

 

And Eagan, that's hilarious, go with it.

[Guest Eagan469]

Thanks guys - the presentation went great.