Some English Class Humor

Soliloquy

an act of speaking one's thoughts aloud when by oneself or regardless of any hearers, especially by a character in a play.

synonyms:

monologue, speech, address, lecture, oration, sermon, homily, aside "Viola ends the scene with a soliloquy" The speaker is thinking deeply, usually carefully considering something. Think deeply and carefully consider the questions on your test.   As you listen, relax and perhaps go back in your mind to your "childhood."

This is based on a soliloquy from Hamlet by Shakespeare. 

In the original,

Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, has returned home to Denmark after being away at school. His father, the king, has died.  His uncle is now the king and has married Hamlet's mother.   Hamlet sees and hears a ghost that looks and sounds like his dead father.  The ghost tells him that he was murdered by the brother who is now king, and that Hamlet should revenge this terrible death. 

In the soliloquy, Hamlet is considering suicide -- "To be, or not to be." He ends up deciding "To be."

Sesame Street and Sir Patrick Stewart (Charles Xavier in X-Men) have a different take on this soliloquy:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA7lv1SDzno

If you want to hear the real thing, try Mel's version:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ei0fnP9s0KA   Mel Gibson

An Allusion

To what Biblical story is this alluding? 

                                        Another Allusion

To what literary work is he alluding?