Question

select the correct answer
what does hamlet mean by this reference to claudius in act i, scene ii, of hamlet?
a little more than kin, and less than kind
a. he and claudius are similar in every way possible
b. he and claudius are relatives but not similar to each other
c. he and claudius both want to rule denmark
d. he and claudius are similar in their hatred for hamlets father.

Explanation:

In the play Hamlet, when Hamlet says "A little more than kin, and less than kind", "kin" means relative. Claudius is Hamlet's uncle (so a relative - "more than kin" in a sense of new close family relation as Claudius marries Hamlet's mother). "Less than kind" means not kind. So it implies they are relatives (kin) but not similar in positive traits (kind). Option B aligns with this as it mentions they are relatives (kin) but not similar (less than kind).

Answer:

B. He and Claudius are relatives but not similar to each other