To Be or Not To Be

Summary

The content reflects a personal existential crisis akin to Hamlet's famous soliloquy, exploring themes of love, hardship, and the purpose of life.

Abstract

The text presents a modern interpretation of the existential question "To be, or not to be," originally from Shakespeare's Hamlet. The author shares a deep sense of sorrow and introspection, drawing parallels with Hamlet's despair over love and life's harsh realities. Despite feelings of loss and a battle with inner demons, the author, like Hamlet, ultimately chooses to embrace existence, finding method in the madness and deciding to live, to exist, and to be.

Opinions

The author perceives life's challenges as having an underlying purpose, similar to the structured madness in Hamlet's actions.
There is a suggestion that societal expectations and whispers influence the decision to persevere, with the phrase "Frailty, thy name is woman!" implying a critique of gender roles.
The author's choice to live is portrayed as a courageous act, emphasizing the value of life despite its inherent struggles.

A Poem

Photo by Max Muselmann on Unsplash

Not Shakespeare’s creation, But riddled with miseries of love And the harshness of this world I once asked myself, To be, Or not to be?

With an aching soul, And a bleeding heart, I questioned my existence In fact, I have of late — but Wherefore I know not — lost all my mirth

Just like Hamlet, I was drowned in sadness, While thinking about my Ophelia And fighting with my demons It felt, There’d be no sun after that night

Though, It was chaos, But with a purpose, Disseminating a message Though this be madness, Yet there is method in’t.

I heard whispers, ‘Don’t be cruel Save thyself, Young and brave You’re a true man’ Frailty, thy name is woman!

Thus, Just like Hamlet, I made the decision, To live, To exist, To be