Question

miot, part 3: figurative language
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 behavior:

1. "It shows Hamlet’s confusion": Hamlet's scattered thoughts and playful, disjointed responses (e.g., "Buzz, buzz!", referencing actors on "ass") suggest mental confusion.
2. "It shows Hamlet’s idleness": His teasing, non - serious responses to Polonius (delaying serious conversation) imply idleness in engaging with Polonius's news.
3. "It shows Hamlet’s indecision": The lack of a clear, focused response and his evasive, whimsical replies reflect his indecisive nature (a core trait of Hamlet).

The other options ("It shows Hamlet’s willpower" and "It shows Hamlet’s determination") are incorrect as Hamlet's actions here are not decisive or will - driven; they are confused, idle, and indecisive.

Answer:

A. It shows Hamlet’s confusion, B. It shows Hamlet’s idleness, D. It shows Hamlet’s indecision (assuming the options are labeled A - E with A: It shows Hamlet’s confusion, B: It shows Hamlet’s idleness, C: It shows Hamlet’s willpower, D: It shows Hamlet’s indecision, E: It shows Hamlet’s determination)