A. He reflects back and describes his initial optimism of the war.
Everyone initially feels that optimism going into a battle. The idea of victory is something easy to see. But it gives the idea that possibly it may not turn out exactly as he hopes in the final sentence.
Winter is fast approaching = indicative
hope I helped !
<span>Danforth wants him to sign his name on a written statement</span>
Hamlets mothers name is Gertrude
