"To be or not to be." To exist, or to cease to exist. Hamlet's dilemma is that he cannot decide if life is worth living. He goes back and forth, talking to himself, but never using the words "I" or "me." He doesn't directly mention himself, instead looking at a broader picture of life and life after death, rather than applying his ideas to his own situation. Hamlet looks at all aspects of life, death, and afterlife, but tries to keep it separate from his own life.
Hamlet cannot make this discussion with himself about himself, because it is too difficult for him to imagine this situation actually happening to him. He is a prince, he had a loving family, and his parents cared about each other. Now his whole life has turned upside down. His father is dead, and his mother has become a person that he doesn't recognize. With no family, he turns to Ophelia, but he can't trust her either. He feels like he has no one on his side.
Betrayal, tragedy, lies, and heartache quickly fill Hamlet's life and leave no room for love, happiness, or trust. He doesn't have anything to live for anymore. Suicide becomes an option for Hamlet. He can't decide if ending his life would be a helpful thing, considering no one is sure of what happens in the afterlife. He doesn't know if the afterlife will make his life on earth seem perfect or if it will actually release him from his troubles. Also, according to his religion, suicide is a sin, and hell is described as endless torture.
Endless torture or a life not worth living? Both are gloomy thoughts, and Hamlet has trouble deciding between them. He says that ending life is not the scary part, he wouldn't mind ending his life. The scary part is the unknown, and what comes next. This is what Hamlet gets hung up on. Don't be like Hamlet. Don't think ending your life is the only option you have. Also, don't over analyze everything. If you made it through today, then surely you can make it through tomorrow.
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