Polonius believes Hamlet has gone mad because Ophelia no longer returns his love. Relying on what you learned in Act I, select other possible reasons for Hamlet's strange appearance and behavior in scene ii of Act II. Select all that apply.
Hamlet has said that he may at times pretend to be mad.
His uncertainties about his mother's loyalties make him test Ophelia's as well.
The ghost has frightened him.
Polonius's constant chatter makes him angry.
To determine the possible reasons for Hamlet's strange appearance and behavior in scene ii of Act II, let's analyze each option:
1. Hamlet has said that he may at times pretend to be mad.
- This is a valid reason, as Hamlet himself has acknowledged that he might feign madness. It is possible that his behavior is a deliberate act to deceive others.
2. His uncertainties about his mother's loyalties make him test Ophelia's as well.
- This is also a valid reason. Hamlet is deeply troubled by his mother's hasty marriage to his uncle, which has caused him to doubt his mother's loyalty. He may be testing Ophelia's allegiance and morality as well.
3. The ghost has frightened him.
- This is another possible reason. Hamlet has encountered the ghost of his father, who claims to have been murdered, which has deeply disturbed him. The ghost's appearance and demands may have shaken his composure and contributed to his strange behavior.
4. Polonius's constant chatter makes him angry.
- While Polonius's constant chatter may annoy Hamlet, it is unlikely to be a direct cause of his strange appearance and behavior in scene ii of Act II. Though it may contribute to Hamlet's frustration at times, there are more significant factors at play.
Therefore, the possible reasons for Hamlet's strange appearance and behavior in scene ii of Act II include:
- Hamlet's voluntary feigned madness
- His uncertainties about his mother's loyalties affecting his relationships
- The ghost's haunting and revelations.
https://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/
Search for Hamlet here and read/re-read Act I and then Act II scene ii. You'll find the play in two columns: original Shakespearean English at the left, modernized English at the right.
Let us know what you decide.