Question

Read the excerpt from Act II of Hamlet. The rugged Pyrrhus, like the Hyrcanian beast,— ’tis not so, it begins with Pyrrhus:— The rugged Pyrrhus, he, whose sable arm, Black as his purpose, did the night resemble When he lay couched in the ominous horse, Pyrrhus is a figure from Greek mythology who avenges the death of his father by brutally killing King Priam. What does the excerpt suggest about Hamlet’s state of mind? Hamlet does not believe that Claudius killed his father. Hamlet is still undecided about avenging his father’s death. Hamlet is shocked by Pyrrhus’s merciless behavior. Hamlet admires Pyrrhus and wants to follow his example.

Answer 1

Answer: D. Hamlet admires Pyrrhus and wants to follow his example.

Explanation:

Answer 2

The correct answer is the last statement. This excerpt suggests that Hamlet admires Pyrrhus and wants to follow his example. Hamlet is aware that Claudius killed his uncle and that it’s his duty to avenge his father, but he overthinks every little step (for example: he didn’t kill Claudius because it appeared like he was praying and he didn’t want him to go to heaven). Unlike him, Pyrrhus avenges his father, without any doubt, by brutally killing King Prius which is why Hamlet wants to follow his example.