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Differences of Hamlet’s Three versions
To be or not to be is a Hamlet soliloquy by Shakespeare in Act 3 scene I. However, this
verse has three versions. The soliloquys has two quartos First
and second that is Q1, “1603” Q2,
“1604” along with
First Folio F1 in “1623.” Each of the three versions includes lines as well as
entire scenes missing from each other.
The earlier passage edition Q1 is very different from the
other that we are familiar with in the literary and meaning.
The Folio version focuses on earthly possession’s futility. On the other hand, Q2 is
focused on emphasizing knowledge instead of ownership. When considering Q1, the soliloquy is
about having possession, but Q2 is not concerned about the issue of not having but knowing. It
follows that Q2 is naturally concerned with the proceeding of uncertainty acceptance, and one
cannot regret who is unknown. Q1 is shorter than Q2 and F1 due to the omission of some text,
which makes it comprise 2,200 lines. Q2 has 3,800 lines and supplements Q1 to be more
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- Fall '19
- Hamlet, Prince Hamlet
