7
QuizMultiple Choice

Hamlet, Part 2: Word Choice and Tone — Quiz

Question 7 • British Literature and Composition

Read the passage from Hamlet, Act I, Scene v. Ghost : I could a tale unfold whose lightest word Would harrow up thy soul, freeze thy young blood, Make thy two eyes, like stars, start from their spheres, Thy knotted and combined locks to part, And each particular hair to stand an end ... Based on context, what is the meaning of harrow up ?

Answer
A
greatly disturb
B
highly please
C
deeply enlighten
D
vastly puzzle

Explanation

The Ghost says the tale would freeze Hamlet’s blood, make his eyes seem to start from their sockets, and make his hair stand on end. These are images of fear and distress, so “harrow up” means to greatly disturb. “Vastly puzzle” would mean confuse, which does not fit these reactions.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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