Question

the tragedy of hamlet, prince of denmark, act iii, scene iii by william shakespeare as you read, highlight dialogue that shows that hamlet is a round, complex character. hamlet considers killing king claudius as claudius prays. act iii. scene iii. in this part of the play, king claudius says that, for his own safety, he must send hamlet to england with rosencrantz and guildenstern. hamlet resolves to kill king claudius, but then he does not take advantage of an opportunity to do so. how does this show that hamlet is a round character? he teaches the audience a moral lesson. he represents the concept of failure. he acts in contradictory ways. he has forgiven claudius.

Explanation:

A round character is complex with contradictory traits. Hamlet resolves to kill Claudius but doesn't act, showing contradictory behavior. "He teaches a moral lesson" (first option) relates to didactic characters, not roundness. "He represents failure" (second) is not about roundness. "He has forgiven Claudius" (fourth) is incorrect as Hamlet's inaction is due to moral/philosophical conflict, not forgiveness. So the correct option is the one about contradictory actions.

Answer:

C. He acts in contradictory ways.