For other uses, see To Be or Not to Be.The First Quarto is a short early text of Hamlet. Though it was published in 1603, it was lost or not known until a copy was discovered in 1823. It containsa number of unique characteristics and oddities. The speech itself has played two important roles independent of the play. It has been analyzed as a historical document for clues about the nature of early modern acting practices and it has also been used as a contemporary guide to the performance of Shakespearean drama. Quick and easy synopsis of the Shakespeare play, Hamlet. Read Hamlet'sfamous soliloquy by Shakespeare along with a summary, analysis, performances, and FAQs. Watch Two Theatre Greats Recite Hamlet’s Soliloquy. David Tennant as Hamletin the RSC’s 2009 Hamlet production: InShakespeare’s tragedy “Hamlet,” the central figure asks this question to himself. It is the first line of Hamlet’s widely known soliloquy. Hamlet’s Second Soliloquy: “O all you host of heaven!” In William Shakespeare’sHamlet, the titular character undergoes significant transformations through soliloquies, or self-addressed monologues. Hamlet iconic soliloquy explained, Shakespeare monologue analysis, understanding Hamlet's emotions, Hamlet revenge themes explained, soliloquy character exploration in Hamlet. DidShakespearemean that the audience should identify these?Shakespeare (or Kyd in the earlier 'Hamlet') made this arrangement in the interest of clearness and vividness; to have a symbolical pantomime of the play within the main play would have been too confusing.