Hamlet, Part 3: Figurative Language and Allusions — Quiz
Question 6 • British Literature and Composition
Read the excerpt from Act II of Hamlet . When she saw Pyrrhus make malicious sport In mincing with his sword her husband’s limbs, The instant burst of clamour that she made— Unless things mortal move them not at all— Would have made milch the burning eyes of heaven, And passion in the gods. Hecuba is a figure in Greek mythology who was married to King Priam. In the excerpt, she is shown grieving for her dead husband. What does this allusion suggest?
Answer
A
that Hecuba was too emotional when she saw her husband’s dead body
B
that Hecuba was determined to take revenge for the death of Priam
C
that Hecuba properly mourned the death of her beloved husband
D
that Hecuba did not show enough emotion after Priam was killed
Explanation
Hecuba’s cry is described as so powerful that it could make heaven’s eyes weep and stir the gods to passion. This exaggeration emphasizes the depth of her grief and shows that she mourned Priam intensely. The allusion presents her as properly mourning her beloved husband, not as seeking revenge or showing too little emotion.
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