What is the most likely reason Shakespeare included this passage …

English Questions
Short Answer
Step by Step Solution
English Questions

Read the excerpt from Act II of√Ǭ†Hamlet.Ophelia: Alas! my lord, I have been so affrighted.Polonius: With what, in the name of God?Ophelia: My lord, as I was sewing in my closet,√Ǭ†Lord Hamlet, with his doublet all unbrac’d;√Ǭ†No hat upon his head; his stockings foul’d,√Ǭ†Ungarter’d, and down-gyved to his ancle;√Ǭ†Pale as his shirt; his knees knocking each other;√Ǭ†And with a look so piteous in purport√Ǭ†As if he had been loosed out of hell√Ǭ†To speak of horrors, he comes before me.What is the most likely reason Shakespeare included this passage? He explains Hamlet√¢¬Ä¬ôs behavior through Ophelia√¢¬Ä¬ôs dialogue, thereby tying up loose ends in the plot. He introduces the conflict between Ophelia and Hamlet, thereby adding suspense and advancing the plot. He characterizes the relationship between Ophelia and Polonius, thereby adding to the exposition in the plot. He describes the background between Ophelia and Hamlet, thereby escalating the tension to its highest point in the plot.

Short Answer

Ophelia reports her fear of Hamlet’s strange behavior to her father, Polonius, who decides to investigate further, heightening the narrative tension. Hamlet, meanwhile, feigns madness to conceal his true motives, complicating his relationship with Ophelia and adding to the story’s suspense.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Understand Ophelia’s Report

Ophelia shares her observations with her father, Polonius, about Hamlet’s unusual behavior. She describes a specific incident where Hamlet’s demeanor made her feel terrified. This information is crucial as it highlights the escalating conflict between Ophelia and Hamlet.

  • Ophelia feels confused and frightened by Hamlet.
  • She accurately recounts his strange actions to Polonius.
  • This account sets the stage for future developments in the plot.

Step 2: Polonius’s Reaction

Polonius takes Ophelia’s concerns seriously and formulates a plan to investigate Hamlet’s behavior further. He believes that understanding Hamlet’s actions is essential for the safety and well-being of Ophelia. This reaction further intensifies the tension in the narrative.

  • Polonius decides to spy on Hamlet.
  • He has doubts about Hamlet’s sanity, which affects his decisions.
  • This approach leads to further complications in the plot.

Step 3: Hamlet’s Deception

Hamlet employs a strategy of feigned madness, convincing those around him that he is crazy. This act serves multiple purposes, including diverting attention from his true intentions and advancing the plot. His behavior and Ophelia’s reactions further develop the central conflict in the story.

  • Hamlet’s facade complicates his relationship with Ophelia.
  • It creates suspense in the royal court.
  • This deception propels the narrative forward, enhancing the drama.

Related Concepts

Ophelia’S Report

A account of ophelia’s observations about hamlet’s behavior and her emotional response to it, highlighting the conflict in their relationship.

Polonius’S Reaction

Polonius’s response to ophelia’s concerns, leading him to investigate hamlet’s behavior for his daughter’s safety, which increases narrative tension.

Hamlet’S Deception

Hamlet’s strategy of pretending to be mad in order to obscure his true intentions and manipulate those around him, advancing the plot and complicating his relationships.

Table Of Contents
  1. Read the excerpt from Act II of Hamlet.Ophelia: Alas! my lord, I have been so affrighted.Polonius: With what, in the name of God?Ophelia: My lord, as I was sewing in my closet, Lord Hamlet, with his doublet all unbrac'd; No hat upon his head; his stockings foul'd, Ungarter'd, and down-gyved to his ancle; Pale as his shirt; his knees knocking each other; And with a look so piteous in purport As if he had been loosed out of hell To speak of horrors, he comes before me.What is the most likely reason Shakespeare included this passage? He explains Hamlet’s behavior through Ophelia’s dialogue, thereby tying up loose ends in the plot. He introduces the conflict between Ophelia and Hamlet, thereby adding suspense and advancing the plot. He characterizes the relationship between Ophelia and Polonius, thereby adding to the exposition in the plot. He describes the background between Ophelia and Hamlet, thereby escalating the tension to its highest point in the plot.

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