In the play "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare, the character Hamlet delivers a famous monologue in Act 3, Scene 1, beginning with the line, "To be, or not to be: that is the question." This soliloquy reflects Hamlet's deep existential crisis as he contemplates life and death, showcasing his thoughts and feelings about existence, morality, and the human condition.
Which of the following statements best describes the function of this monologue within the play?