Read the excerpt from an analysis of Act III of Hamlet . The fight between Hamlet and Gertrude reinforces gender stereotypes, as Hamlet judges Gertrude and she accepts his criticism without attempting to justify her actions. Which excerpt provides the best evidence to support the analysis?
Answer
A
Gertrude : What wilt thou do? thou wilt not murder me? Help, help, ho!
B
Gertrude : What have I done that thou dar’st wag thy tongue In noise so rude against me?
C
Gertrude : O gentle son! Upon the heat and flame of thy distemper Sprinkle cool patience. Whereon do you look?
D
Gertrude : Be thou assur’d, if words be made of breath, And breath of life, I have no life to breathe What thou hast said to me.
Explanation
Gertrude says that Hamlet’s words have left her with “no life to breathe,” showing that she absorbs his criticism rather than defending her actions. This best supports the analysis that she accepts his judgment without attempting to justify herself. Choice B, by contrast, directly challenges Hamlet by asking what she has done to deserve his harsh words.
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