Question

[Hamlet:] What a piece of work is a man! How noble in reason! how infinite in faculty! in form, in moving, how express and admirable! in action how like an angel! in apprehension how like a god! —Hamlet, William Shakespeare What is the significance of this passage as seen through a historical lens? It reflects the humanist belief in human nobility and intelligence. It shows the new emphasis on personal education in the Middle Ages. It reveals the connection between religion and politics in Elizabethan England.

Answer 1

I believe the correct answer is - it reflects the humanist belief in human nobility and intelligence.
B is incorrect because Hamlet wasn't written in the Middle Ages. C is incorrect because this passage has nothing to do with politics. The excerpt is about admiration towards humans and the entire humanity - humanism was an era where people (rather than the government or the church) were put under the spotlight. 

Answer 2

The correct answer is A. It reflects the humanist belief in human nobility and intelligence

Explanation:

Hamlet and other works of Shakespeare were written between the end of the 16th century, and the beginning of the 17th century. During this period in Europe occurred the peak or Renaissance that implied multiple movements in art, and promoted the Humanisms. This included the idea the individual is rational or intelligent and noble. This movement is reflected in Shakespeare's works including Hamlet, indeed, in the passage presented the words "What a piece of work is a man! How noble in reason! how infinite in faculty! in form, in moving, how express and admirable!" show the importance and quality of humans. Thus, the significance of this passage according to the historical context is that "It reflects the humanist belief in human nobility and intelligence".