William Shakespeare book summaries

“To be, or not to be: that is the question.”

Hamlet's famous soliloquy contemplating life, death, and suicide.

“Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.”

Marcellus's observation after the Ghost appears, foreshadowing the corruption.

“Frailty, thy name is woman!”

Hamlet's bitter reflection on his mother's hasty remarriage after his father's death.

“Though this be madness, yet there is method in't.”

Polonius's aside, observing Hamlet's seemingly nonsensical but pointed remarks.

“The play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the King.”

Hamlet's plan to use a theatrical performance to confirm Claudius's guilt.

“Neither a borrower nor a lender be; For loan oft loses both itself and friend, and borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.”

Polonius's advice to his son Laertes before he departs for France.