I have decided to use 'The Meaning of Metaphor' idea from the Critical Anthology. I am considering applying this to the famous 'To be, or not to be' speech from Hamlet, as there is a lot of this speech that can be misunderstood, or just not understood at all, unless the metaphor is known. The speech is extremely famous and this is part of the reason I have chosen it - do people really know the metaphors within the speech? As it is quoted, and even applied to everyday language, many people may not grasp the true concept. I will consider this in my essay and discuss whether or not a person quoting the lines needs to understand the metaphors, or if the beauty of the words are enough. I am also going to consider whether or not the metaphors in this speech are important, whether there are too many for readers who do not normally read Shakespeare to understand the concept of the speech and whether or not it adds a new dimension to the rest of the play. Because the symbols in the speech can be interpreted many different ways, I will consider that because there is no definite idea and a lot of unsurity in some plarts if this reduces, or adds anything to the play.
However, this is not a final decision, but because there will be a lot of wider reading to do, I feel I will have a lot to write about, especially when considering the different viewpoints and if they are valid. Also, I am not sure if I should do the whole of Act III scene 1, or just this speech?
This is a good idea. You can also talk about how an actor can deliver these lines in different ways so that you can discuss it in terms of performance context. There is also an argument that such a speech can be enjoyed when heard simply by its sound qualities. An audience can work out what Hamlet is getting at even though they don't follow the metaphors. I think focus on the soliloquy but also put it in the context of what's come before. This way you can connect with images that have arisen earlier in the play.
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