Hamlet, Part 3: Figurative Language and Allusions — Quiz
Question 8 • British Literature and Composition
Read the excerpt from Act II of Hamlet . 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. What is the effect of Hamlet’s use of metaphor in this excerpt?
Answer
A
The metaphor reveals that Hamlet respects Polonius.
B
The metaphor shows that Hamlet wants Polonius’s help.
C
The metaphor establishes Polonius as angry and mean.
D
The metaphor portrays Polonius as foolish and weak.
Explanation
Hamlet calls Polonius “that great baby” and says he is still in “swaddling-clouts,” or baby clothes. The metaphor makes Polonius seem childish and immature, suggesting Hamlet views him as foolish and weak. It does not show respect or a desire for Polonius’s help.
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