Hamlet, Part 5: Characteristics of Elizabethan Drama — Quiz

Question 21 • British Literature and Composition

What line from Act III of Hamlet supports the conclusion that Shakespeare is critical of actors?

Answer

for in the very torrent, tempest, and—as I may say—whirlwind of passion, you must acquire and beget a temperance, that may give it smoothness

it offends me to the soul to hear a robustious periwig-pated fellow tear a passion to tatters

but let your own discretion be your tutor: suit the action to the word, the word to the action; with this special observance

And let those that play your clowns speak no more than is set down for them

Explanation

Hamlet says that it “offends me to the soul” when an actor performs too forcefully, “tear[ing] a passion to tatters.” This directly expresses criticism of actors who exaggerate their performances. Choice B is the line that best supports that conclusion.

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