Question

What is the effect of Hamlet’s use of metaphors in this excerpt?

Answer 1

Read the excerpt from Act II of Hamlet.

When she saw Pyrrhus make malicious sport
In mincing with his sword her husband’s limbs,
The instant burst of clamour that she made—
Unless things mortal move them not at all—
Would have made milch the burning eyes of heaven,
And passion in the gods.

Hecuba is a figure in Greek mythology who was married to King Priam. In the excerpt, she is shown grieving for her dead husband.

What does this allusion suggest?

that Hecuba was too emotional when she saw her husband’s dead body
that Hecuba was determined to take revenge for the death of Priam
that Hecuba properly mourned the death of her beloved husband
that Hecuba did not show enough emotion after Priam was killed