Question

the tragedy of hamlet, prince of denmark, act iii, scene iv by william shakespeare as you read, use a formalist lens to analyze the text. pay close attention to language and structure. take notes about any motifs that are repeated throughout the play. hamlet and his mother argue while polonius eavesdrops on their conversation. act iii. scene iv. read each statement about hamlet, and identify the critical lens the reader used to view the text. the motif of blood in the play highlights the destructive nature of revenge. because queen elizabeth did not have an heir, audiences in shakespeare’s time would likely have been interested in hamlet’s focus on succession. gertrude does what claudius tells her to do because she has little power as a woman living in a male - dominated society. formalist lens

Explanation:

First Statement:

The statement analyzes the motif (a structural/language element) of blood in the play, which aligns with the formalist lens's focus on text - internal elements like language and structure.

Second Statement:

The statement considers the historical context of Queen Elizabeth's lack of an heir and how it would have influenced Shakespeare's audience's interest in the play's theme of succession, which is characteristic of a historical lens.

Third Statement:

The statement examines Gertrude's actions in the context of her limited power as a woman in a male - dominated society, which is the core concern of a feminist lens.

Answer:

formalist lens