Hamlet's Strategic Interaction with Ophelia

In the context of Shakespeare's Hamlet, consider the famous soliloquy in Act 3, Scene 1, where Hamlet contemplates existence with the line, 'To be, or not to be.' This passage presents a rich exploration of Hamlet's internal conflict and philosophical musings. Examine the selected lines of dialogue that follow Hamlet's soliloquy when he interacts with Ophelia. Each option below reflects a different interpretation of Hamlet's tone and motivations during this pivotal moment in the play.