Question

create a hypothesis about why shakespeare chose to have hamlet discover the skull of yorick specifically. what deeper philosophical meaning does this contribute to the play? it emphasizes the futility of human ambition it represents hamlets lost childhood innocence. it serves merely as comic relief in a tragic play it symbolizes the corruption in denmarks court

Explanation:

Yorick was a jester who entertained Hamlet in childhood. The skull's discovery contrasts past innocence (childhood with Yorick) with Hamlet's current existential turmoil. It's a memento mori (reminder of death) but also ties to lost innocence as Hamlet contemplates life's meaning amidst decay. The other options:

• Futility of ambition (more tied to characters like Claudius's power - seeking, not directly Yorick's skull).
• Comic relief (the gravedigger scene has some dark humor, but the skull's significance is deeper than just relief).
• Corruption in court (Yorick's skull is personal - Hamlet's past, not a symbol of court corruption like poisoned wine, etc.).

Answer:

It represents Hamlet's lost childhood innocence.