Examine how this description of Hamlet’s character challenges the reader’s previous evaluation and contributes to the overall tragedy of the play.

PRACTICE FREE RESPONSE QUESTION 4:

Read the following passage from Act Ill, scene i. In a well-written essay, examine how this description of Hamlet’s character challenges the reader’s previous evaluation and contributes to the overall tragedy of the play.

Avoid plot summary.

OPHELIA: 0, what a noble mind is here o’erthrownl The courtiers,

scholart, soldierb, eye, tongue, sword, The expectancy and rose of the fair state,

The glass of fashion and the mould of form, The observed of all observers, quite, quite down! And 1, of ladies most deject and wretched,

That suck’d the honey of his music vows, Now see that noble and most sovereign reason, Like sweet bells jangled, out of tune and harsh;

That unmatch’d form and feature of blown youth Blasted with ecstasy.

0, woe is me, To have seen what 1 have seen, see what 1 seel