English Literature CLEP Prep Practice Exam

From which work did the phrase "To be, or not to be" originate?

1. Hamlet

2. King Lear

3. Macbeth

4. Othello

The correct answer is: Hamlet

This line comes from the famous soliloquy in Hamlet, a play written by William Shakespeare. It is spoken by the character Hamlet as he contemplates the idea of life and death. Option B, King Lear, is incorrect as it does not feature this line and explores different themes. Option C, Macbeth, also does not have this line and focuses on ambition and the consequences of one's actions. Option D, Othello, does not involve this phrase and centers around jealousy and betrayal. Thus, A is the correct answer as it is the only work of Shakespeare's that contains this iconic phrase.