Read the excerpt from Act II of Hamlet . Ophelia: Alas! my lord, I have been so affrighted. Polonius: With what, in the name of God? Ophelia: My lord, as I was sewing in my closet, Lord Hamlet, with his doublet all unbrac'd; No hat upon his head; his stockings foul'd, Ungarter'd, and down-gyved to his ancle; Pale as his shirt; his knees knocking each other; And with a look so piteous in purport As if he had been loosed out of hell To speak of horrors, he comes before me. What is the most likely reason Shakespeare included this passage?
Answer
A
He characterizes the relationship between Ophelia and Polonius, thereby adding to the exposition in the plot.
B
He introduces the conflict between Ophelia and Hamlet, thereby adding suspense and advancing the plot.
C
He describes the background between Ophelia and Hamlet, thereby escalating the tension to its highest point in the plot.
D
He explains Hamlet’s behavior through Ophelia’s dialogue, thereby tying up loose ends in the plot.
Explanation
Ophelia’s account shows Hamlet behaving strangely when he comes to see her, which raises questions about what is happening between them. This introduces tension involving Ophelia and Hamlet and moves the plot forward, as Polonius will use her report to interpret Hamlet’s behavior. The passage does not resolve Hamlet’s behavior or bring the plot’s tension to its highest point.
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