Excerpt 2 talks about "Minerva" whispering in Laertes' ear. Minerva is the Roman goddess of Wisdom (Athena in Greek mythology). This shows a god interacting with mortals (Laertes). Excerpt 3talks about "Cylenius," which refers to the Roman god, Mercury (Hermes in Greek mythology). He is transporting the souls of the dead mortals to the underworld. "Pluto" is the god of the underworld, and the excerpt is referring to the underworld with the words "<span>Pluto's dreary reign."</span>
Conflict is the base of the story. Without conflict, the story has no plot, the characters don't experience anything, and there isn't really any developments at all. As for the second question, I think that's your own opinion.
