Key Quotes and Analysis

“To be, or not to be: that is the question.” (Act lll, Scene 1)

Hamlet

The oft-quoted classic line can be seen as a comment on the trials of human existence. At this point in the play, Hamlet is plagued by inaction despite wanting to avenge his father’s death. On the other hand, he contemplates the moral implications of committing suicide. He is unable to escape this dilemma and compares this feeling with the very act of having to continue living.

“Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.” (Act I, Scene 4)

Marcellus

This line is spoken by Marcellus, one of the guards of Elsinore. It reflects the current state of the kingdom and sets the mood of the play. These lines are prophetic in that they foreshadow the deaths of the play’s principal characters. This line also shows that even the guards are aware of the general unrest in the kingdom. Marcellus is also uncomfortable at the thought of Hamlet visiting the ghost in private.

“Though this be madness, yet there is method in’t.” (Act ll, Scene 2)

Polonius

This quote is from an interaction between Polonius and Hamlet, where Hamlet is trying to feign madness. Hamlet indulges in witticisms, which makes Polonius believe that there is a hidden meaning to Hamlet’s words. He concludes that Hamlet is suffering from melancholy as a result of Ophelia’s rejection. “Method” refers to the reason behind the strange way in which Hamlet has been behaving.

“My words fly up, my thoughts remain below;/ Words without thoughts never to heaven go.” (Act lll, Scene 3)

Claudius

“Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio—a fellow of infinite jest… Where be your gibes now? your gambols? your songs? your flashes of merriment that were wont to set the table on a roar?” (Act V, Scene 1)

Hamlet

“Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince, /And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.” (Act V, Scene 2)

Horatio

“Get thee to a nunnery. Why wouldst thou be a breeder of sinners? I am myself indifferent honest, but yet I could accuse me of such things that it were better my mother had not borne me…” (Act lll, Scene 1)

Hamlet

“The play’s the thing, /Wherein I’ll catch the conscience of the king.” (Act ll, Scene 2)

Hamlet

“O, villain, villain, smiling, damnèd villain!” (Act l, Scene 5)

Hamlet

“Frailty, thy name is woman!” (Act l, Scene 2)

Hamlet

“But, good my brother, /Do not, as some ungracious pastors do, /Show me the steep and thorny way to Heaven /Whiles, like a puffed and reckless libertine, /Himself the primrose path of dalliance treads /And recks not his own rede.” (Act l, Scene 3)

Ophelia

“Is she to be buried in Christian burial when she willfully seeks her own salvation?” (Act V, Scene1)

Grave Digger

“Oh, my offence is rank. It smells to Heaven. /It hath the primal eldest curse upon ’t, /A brother’s murder.” (Act lll, Scene 3)

Claudius