Hamlet, Part 2: Word Choice and Tone Answers

To determine the precise meaning of a word, what should the reader consider? Choose three answers.context cluesellipsisinversiontoneword choice

What is nuance?

Read the passage from Hamlet, Act I, Scene iii.Hamlet: My fate cries out, And makes each petty artery in this body As hardy as the Nemean lion’s nerve. [GHOST beckons.] Still am I call’d. Unhand me, gentlemen, [Breaking from them.]By heaven! I’ll make a ghost of him that lets me: I say, away! Go on, I’ll follow thee. [Exeunt GHOST and HAMLET.]

Read the passage from Hamlet, Act I, Scene iii.[Laertes:] Then weigh what loss your honour may sustain,If with too credent ear you list his songs,Or lose your heart ...

Read the passage from Hamlet, Act I, Scene v.Ghost: I could a tale unfold whose lightest word Would harrow up thy soul, freeze thy young blood, Make thy two eyes, like stars, start from their spheres, Thy knotted and combined locks to part, And each particular hair to stand an end ...

Read the passage from Hamlet, Act I, Scene iii.Polonius: Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy, But not express’d in fancy; rich, not gaudy; For the apparel oft proclaims the man, And they in France of the best rank and station Are most select and generous, chief in that.

After analyzing the context, what is the next step the reader should take to determine the meaning of an unknown word?

Read the passage from Hamlet, Act II, Scene i.Polonius: How now, Ophelia! what’s the matter? 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 ...

Read the passage from Hamlet, Act I, Scene v.Ophelia: And, with his other hand thus o’er his brow, He falls to such perusal of my face As he would draw it. Long stay’d he so; At last, a little shaking of mine arm, And thrice his head thus waving up and down, He rais’d a sigh so piteous and profound That it did seem to shatter all his bulk And end his being.

Read the passage from Hamlet, Act I, Scene iii.Laertes: Be wary then; best safety lies in fear: Youth to itself rebels, though none else near.