Question

which line would most likely be written by a reader analyzing hamlet through a formalist lens?
the play includes repeated references to death and decay.
the male characters in the play are defined by their power.
the female characters in the play are defined by their relationships.
the play highlights political issues common in shakespeares time.

Explanation:

A formalist lens focuses on the text's internal elements like literary devices, motifs, and structure. Repeated references to death and decay are a motif (internal textual element), while the other options analyze characters in relation to power/relationships (more like feminist or social - context analysis) or political issues in Shakespeare’s time (historical/contextual analysis, not formalist).

Answer:

The first option (The play includes repeated references to death and decay.)