Question

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 cannot be too heavy, nor plautus too light. for the law of writ and the
what is the effect of the figurative language used in this excerpt? choose three correct answers.
☐ it shows hamlet’s confusion.
☐ it shows hamlet’s idleness.
☐ it shows hamlet’s willpower.
☐ it shows hamlet’s indecision.
☐ it shows hamlet’s determination.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answers, we analyze Hamlet's dialogue and the figurative language's effect:

1. "It shows Hamlet’s confusion": Hamlet's scattered thoughts and playful, disjointed remarks (like referencing a "great baby" and prophesying about Polonius' purpose) reflect his mental confusion, especially in his state of grief and existential turmoil.
2. "It shows Hamlet’s idleness": His playful, non - serious responses and digressions (e.g., interrupting Polonius, making whimsical comments) can be seen as idleness, avoiding serious engagement or acting on his thoughts.
3. "It shows Hamlet’s indecision": Hamlet's inability to focus on a single topic, his digressions, and his playful evasion of direct communication align with his overall indecisive nature (a core trait in the play as he struggles with action).

The other options ("It shows Hamlet’s willpower" and "It shows Hamlet’s determination") are incorrect as Hamlet's dialogue here is not characterized by resolve or strong will; instead, it's marked by confusion, idleness, and indecision.

Answer:

A. It shows Hamlet’s confusion
B. It shows Hamlet’s idleness
D. It shows Hamlet’s indecision