in hamlet, is the "to be or not to be" speech a soliloquy? because aren't polonius and claudius hiding?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/To_be,_or_not_to_be
There's an interesting comment here -- below the quoted solilquy. Let us know what you think.
Yes, the "To be or not to be" speech in Hamlet is indeed a soliloquy. A soliloquy is a dramatic device in which the character speaks their thoughts aloud, regardless of whether there are other characters present or not. In this particular speech, Hamlet is reflecting on the nature of life, pondering the pros and cons of existence, and contemplating suicide.
While it is true that Polonius and Claudius are hiding during this scene, their presence does not change the nature of the speech as a soliloquy. Shakespeare often uses soliloquies to give insight into a character's inner thoughts and feelings, allowing the audience to understand their internal struggles and dilemmas more profoundly. In this case, Hamlet appears to be alone on stage, expressing his thoughts openly without any direct interaction with other characters.