"To be or not to be"; probably the most recognizable quote from Hamlet, perhaps even of Shakespeare entirely. This quote is as credible to the central message of Hamlet as it is recognizable. The entire play thrives off of conflict, whether it be internal or external, and this quote defines conflict.
"To be or not to be" is begging the question whether a plan should be executed or not. Should Hamlet avenge his father's death by killing Claudius? Should Claudius risk suffering from guilt by killing Hamlet and not being able to fully enjoy his gain? Should Queen Gertrude stand by her own son or flatter her new, unconventional husband? This quote outlines the theme of every major point in the plot because every major point in the plot is clear cut conflict.
Many readers seem to come to the conclusion that Hamlet can't make up his mind, that he's suicidal, that he's a dramatic teenager; however, this is not so. As described in Deboer's paper, Hamlet initially lacks the perlocutionary force (following through) to actually send his locutionary force (understanding he has to kill Claudius) into action; he understand his locutionary force because of the illocutionary force (his father's ghost telling him to kill Claudius). "To be or not to be" represents this development of Hamlet's character throughout the play because the reader is invited to forever wonder whether Hamlet will enact his perlocutionary force, Hamlet himself is left to wonder if he has the mind to do it.
In conclusion, each "To be or not to be" had a consequence which results in yet another "To be or not to be". This quote fell hand in hand with every conflict of the play, which were abundant. In regard to Hamlet's shaky perlocutionary force, the answer is "to be".
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