Hamlet’s most famous speech raises big questions about life, death, and meaning — but too often, students meet it with blank stares. Many teachers struggle with how to dig into these issues in a way that feels collaborative, engaging, and relevant to teenagers today.

This lesson changes that. Through performance, discussion, and analysis, students step into Hamlet’s dilemma, work together to unpack his ideas, and discover how those same questions still matter in their own lives.

✅ What’s Included

• 2 complete lesson plans (no prep required) that cover English lit's most famous soliloquy over two days

• Editable Google Docs + PDF versions

• Close reading and discussion prompts that spark collaboration

• Performance activity for students to bring the soliloquy to life

⭐ Why You’ll Love It

• No more glazed eyes → students actively engage with Hamlet’s words

• Collaboration built in → group activities encourage every student to contribute

• Relevance highlighted → students connect Hamlet’s struggle to modern teen life

• Time-saving → ready-to-use, editable lesson plan

• Confidence for teachers → a clear roadmap for tackling a tough speech

Benefits for Teachers

• Guide students through Hamlet’s most complex speech with ease

• Save planning time with structured activities and questions

• Build student buy-in by connecting Shakespeare to issues that matter today

Benefits for Students

• Collaborate with peers to make sense of a challenging text

• Explore timeless questions about identity, purpose, and existence

• See why Hamlet is still relevant in a modern world

Help your students move beyond memorization. With this lesson, they’ll perform, discuss, and care about Hamlet’s big question: To be, or not to be.