ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

FAMOUS PLAYWRIGHT POET AND OTHERS

HAMLET

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
What reason does Polonius offer for Hamlet’s madness?
A
He is upset about the marriage of Claudius and Gertrude
B
He loves Ophelia
C
He is distraught over his father’s death
D
He’s a moody teenager
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -Polonius says that Hamlet must be mad with his love for Ophelia, for she has distanced herself from him ever since Polonius ordered her to do so. Polonius speculates that this lovesickness might be the cause of Hamlet’s moodiness, and he hurries out to tell Claudius of his idea.

Detailed explanation-2: -Polonius then tells Gertrude and Claudius that he thinks Hamlet’s behavior is due to his feelings for Ophelia. They hatch a plan to figure out what’s really going on: Polonius will send Ophelia to talk to the mad Hamlet and prove once and for all that he’s crazy with love. Hamlet then enters, mad as ever.

Detailed explanation-3: -The main reason why Polonius thinks that Hamlet is mad is because of his obsessive love for Ophelia. As a result, he forbids his daughter to communicate with the prince for her safety and dignity. Detailed answer: Firstly, Polonius is so sure of Hamlet’s insanity that he forbids his daughter to communicate with him.

Detailed explanation-4: -Polonius launches into his own diatribe on the subject, saying that Hamlet is a red-blooded male who wants her for only one purpose and that she must spurn his advances. Ophelia promises to obey her father and break off her relationship with the Prince.

Detailed explanation-5: -Polonius sternly echoes Laertes’ advice and forbids Ophelia to associate with Hamlet anymore. He tells her that Hamlet has deceived her in swearing his love and that she should see through his false vows and rebuff his affections. Ophelia pledges to obey.

There is 1 question to complete.