Hamlet's Soliloquy Analysis

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The most well-known line in English literature is “To be, or not to be”; where Hamlet ponders about his possibilities. This scene had been reproduced by many directors and actors, however, the best version of “To be, or not to be” was performed by Branagh because of his use of setting, lighting, and props. In Branagh’s version, the scene took place in an open room symbolizing how easily others can burden Hamlet’s life. In his soliloquy, he states his burdens, “The oppressor’s wrong, the proud man’s contumely, The pangs of despised love, the law’s delay, The insolence of office, and the spurns” which linked to Ophelia and her false love, Claudius who murdered Hamlet’s father and took his crown, and Gertrude’s incestuous actions. This made Hamlet …show more content…
He was not blindsided by the fact that Claudius is hiding behind the mirror. He purposely capitalizes on this and threatens Claudius in his soliloquy with his dagger and his words. By having a lit room, it resembles the clarity of his knowledge of others such as Claudius and he cannot be played the same way he prepares to play Claudius to get evidence. The usage of mirrors as props also played a major contribution to Branagh’s making of the scene. The mirrors signify self-examination. They are placed around the room surrounding Hamlet to show his eagerness to understand himself from every perspective to help him finalize his decision. He must decide between “To be, or not to be”. He can either decide to stay in the world and “suffer the stings and arrows of outrageous fortune”, fight and “take arms against a sea of troubles” or “To die; to sleep” and remain as the person in the mirror when he commits suicide. Hamlet knows that if he takes his own life he would end the burdens he must face. However, there would then be no justice. On the other hand, murdering Claudius means changing his morals which changes him as a

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