Read the passage from Hamlet, Act II, Scene i. Polonius: How now, Ophelia! what's the matter? Ophelia: Alas! my lord, I have been so affrighted. Polonius: With what, in the name of God? Ophelia: My lord, as I was sewing in my closet, Lord Hamlet, with his doublet all unbrac'd; No hat upon his head; his stockings foul'd ... Which word in the passage is the key to understanding Ophelia's tone? matter affrighted unbrac'd foul'd Mark this and return

Question

Paige

English

17 June, 11:22

Read the passage from Hamlet, Act II, Scene i. Polonius: How now, Ophelia! what's the matter? Ophelia: Alas! my lord, I have been so affrighted. Polonius: With what, in the name of God? Ophelia: My lord, as I was sewing in my closet, Lord Hamlet, with his doublet all unbrac'd; No hat upon his head; his stockings foul'd ... Which word in the passage is the key to understanding Ophelia's tone? matter affrighted unbrac'd foul'd Mark this and return

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Answers (1)

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Raquel Downs · Answer 1

Answer: Affrighted.

Explanation:

Upon meeting his father's ghost and learning the true story behind his father's murder, Hamlet decides to act as a mad man.

In this dialogue in Act II, Scene I, we find out that Hamlet is putting his revenge plan into action. His behavior frightens Ophelia - he wears no hat, his shirt is unbuttoned, he is pale, etc. As Ophelia describes him to her father, Hamlet looked as if he just came back from hell. The word 'affrighted' means frightened, and is key to understanding Ophelia's tone and the seriousness of the situation.