Hamlet, Part 8: Themes

Question 2 • *HSA 26-27 English IV A -IC

Read an analysis of a theme in Hamlet.One theme in Hamlet is that the rules of society are often based on wealth and power rather than fairness.

Answer

Second Clown: I tell thee she is; and therefore make her grave straight: the crowner hath sat on her, and finds it Christian burial.

First Clown: For here lies the point: if I drown myself wittingly it argues an act; and an act hath three branches; it is, to act, to do, and to perform: argal, she drowned herself wittingly.

Second Clown: Will you ha’ the truth on ’t? If this had not been a gentlewoman she should have been buried out o’ Christian burial.

First Clown: I like thy wit well, in good faith; the gallows does well, but how does it well? it does well to those that do ill; now thou dost ill to say the gallows is built stronger than the church:

Explanation

Choice C directly shows that social status affects how the rules are applied. The Second Clown says Ophelia receives a Christian burial because she was a gentlewoman, while a woman of lower status would not have been allowed one. This supports the theme that wealth and power can matter more than fairness.

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