Shakespeare Quote meaning??

Question

What does "perchance to dream" mean exactly? I know that it comes from his play in Hamlet but not sure about the meaning. My friend suggested as the meaning "if i were to dream"...

does that sound accurate?what is your take on it?

Answer 1

Yes, sounds right. In this part of the soliquy Hamlet is expressing is uncertainty of even having peace in death. If he were to sleep, possible even to dream, what would those dreams be, peaceful, calming, or nightmares.

Answer 2

hamlet is wondering whether or not to kill himself. "to sleep, perchance to dream" means that if he does kill himself, he might be happier, like someone who is sleeping and having a good dream.