"To be, or not to be: that is the question." - Hamlet

Certainly! "To be, or not to be: that is the question" is perhaps one of the most famous lines in all of English literature. It’s from Shakespeare’s play "Hamlet," specifically from Act 3, Scene 1. In this soliloquy, Hamlet is contemplating the nature of existence, the pain of life, and the fear of the unknown.

Let's break it down:

"To be, or not to be": This phrase directly poses the existential question of whether it is better to live (to be) or to die (not to be). Hamlet is pondering whether it's nobler to endure the hardships and suffering of life or to end them by death.

"That is the question": Hamlet emphasizes the gravity and significance of this decision. It's not just a casual consideration but a profound philosophical dilemma.

This soliloquy reflects Hamlet’s deep inner turmoil and his struggle to find meaning and purpose in a world filled with betrayal, deception, and grief. It encapsulates themes of mortality, existential angst, and the complexities of human nature, making it one of the most iconic and enduring passages in literature.