The Task: Stylistic Imitation of "To Be or Not to Be"
Write a modern version of the "To Be or Not To Be" soliloquy using the voice and point of view of a
popular literary, television or film character, or a political figure. Your version of Hamlet's famous
soliloquy will be a parody.
Assigned: Friday, March 2, 2007
Due: Friday, March 9, 2007
1. Read Shakespeare's original version of Hamlet's "To Be or Not To Be" speech in Act III.
2. Visit Prince Charles's version of "To Be or Not to Be", a parody, written in the voice of
England's Prince Charles. - [broken link removed]
3. Choose the voice of a character with which others are familiar. Examples: Winnie the
Pooh; Cher from the popular film "Clueless."
4. Rewrite the speech in modern form. Remember, you are using the format of "To Be or
Not to Be" but not necessarily the subject matter. (For example, Cher's version might be "To
Shop or Not to Shop.")
5. Write a commentary on your creation. to include:

an analysis of your soliloquy

a judgment that demonstrates a comprehensive grasp of the passage

support for key ideas through references to your version

a demonstration of poetic devices an assessment their impact. (We will discuss these
in class on: Monday, March 5.
How You Will Be Graded
Your rewritten version of "To Be or Not To Be" should:
1. Follow the framework, speech pattern, and sequence of Shakespeare's original soliloquy.
2. Be appropriate for the character you select.
o
Convey a tone (humorous, sarcastic, etc.).
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Be consistent--the character's voice, diction and point of view should remain constant
throughout.
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Use correct spelling, punctuation and usage.