@taiwan_girl said in "To be, or not to be.":
Amazing how language changes over time.
I don't remember where I saw this analysis (Was it MacKellan's?) of a speech in Richard III.
In 16th century English, "You" was the proper way to address someone who merits your respect. Someone who is of higher station than you. On the other hand "Thou," is an informal way to address someone. This is why the Amish use the (now) antiquated form of addressing someone. By saying "I am glad to see thee," you're saying "There's no societal difference between us. We are equals."
In Richard Gloucester visits the morgue (grave?) of Lady Anne's father in law (whom he killed), whom he intends to woo for marriage. She starts her rebuke by addressing him as "you." Throughout her conversation, she gradually changes to "thou" and "thee," indicating that she no longer has any respect for him.