Question

zabethan drama: <i>the tragedy of hamlet, prince of denmark
act ii. scene ii. (continued)
enter polonius.
polonius: well be with you, gentlemen!
hamlet: hark you, guildenstern; and you too, at each ear a hearer: that great baby you see there is not yet out of his swaddling-clouts. (275)
rosencrantz: happily he’s the second time come to them; for they say an old man is twice a child.
hamlet: i will prophesy he comes to tell me of the players; mark it. you say right, sir, o’ monday morning; ’twas so indeed.
polonius: my lord, i have news to tell you.
hamlet: my lord, i have news to tell you. when roscius was an actor in rome,—
polonius: the actors are come hither, my lord. (280)
hamlet: buzz, buzz!
polonius: upon my honour,—
hamlet: then came each actor on his ass,—
polonius: the best actors in the world, either for tragedy, comedy, history, pastoral, pastoral - comical, historical - pastoral, tragical - historical, tragical - comical - historical - pastoral, scene individable, or poem unlimited: seneca
out of my weakness and my melancholy—
as he is very potent with such spirits—
abuses me to damn me. i’ll have grounds
more relative than this: the play’s the thing
wherein i’ll catch the conscience of the king.
which accurately and objectively summarizes the theme that is developed by hamlet’s thought process in this passage?
always give family the benefit of the doubt.
the truth will set you free.
indecision is a cowardly act.
it’s best to make quick, definitive judgments.

Explanation:

In the passage, Hamlet plans to use the play to "catch the conscience of the king" to uncover the truth about his father's death. The theme of seeking and relying on truth aligns with "The truth will set you free." The other options don't match: there's no focus on family benefit (first option), indecision (third) is not the focus here, and Hamlet isn't advocating quick judgments (fourth) but rather a methodical search for truth.

Answer:

B. The truth will set you free.