Question 11 • $2526: sem 1: 1001410: English 4 HONORS: NEW
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.
Answer
A
He explains Hamlet’s behavior through Ophelia’s dialogue, thereby tying up loose ends in the plot.
B
He introduces the conflict between Ophelia and Hamlet, thereby adding suspense and advancing the plot.
C
He characterizes the relationship between Ophelia and Polonius, thereby adding to the exposition in the plot.
D
He describes the background between Ophelia and Hamlet, thereby escalating the tension to its highest point in the plot.
Explanation
Ophelia’s account reveals that Hamlet has appeared before her in a frightening, disheveled state. This raises questions about his behavior and his relationship with Ophelia, creating suspense and moving the plot forward. The passage does not resolve the mystery or bring the tension to its highest point, so B is the best choice.
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