Hamlet Quotes
Quotes
Explanation: Hamlet ponders the nature of existence and the appeal of suicide as a means to escape the pain and unfairness of life."To be, or not to be: that is the question:" (Act 3, Scene 1)
Explanation: Marcellus' comment to Horatio signals that all is not well in Denmark, indicating deep corruption. It sets the tone for the moral and political decay encountered by Hamlet as he seeks revenge."Something is rotten in the state of Denmark." (Act 1, Scene 4)
Explanation: Hamlet decides to use a play (The Murder of Gonzago) to test whether King Claudius is guilty of his father's murder, as the ghost has claimed."The play's the thing
Wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king." (Act 2, Scene 2)
Explanation: Hamlet utters these words in his first soliloquy. It expresses his disappointment and disgust at his mother's quick remarriage to Claudius."Frailty, thy name is woman!" (Act 1, Scene 2)
Explanation: Hamlet says this to Ophelia as he lashes out against her and women in general. Here, nunnery means brothel."Get thee to a nunnery." (Act 3, Scene 1)