By viewing this excerpt through a historical lens, the reader

can conclude that Shakespeare uses the promise of

violence to

keep his audience engaged

comment on the monarchy.

O remind the audience to value life.

show the need for intellectual growth.

Answer: By viewing this excerpt through a historical lens, the reader can conclude that Shakespeare uses the promise of violence to keep his audience engaged.

Explanation:

Hamlet is one of the most popular Shakespeare's plays, about a man's attempt to revenge his father who has been murdered.

In Act IV, Scene VII, Claudius receives a letter and finds out that Hamlet is returning to Denmark. The King thus makes a plan with Laertes, and they agree that Laertes should kill Hamlet (Hamlet has previously killed Polonius, Laertes' father). In this particular scene, there is a promise of violence - Hamlet will be murdered. The two of them discuss strategies, which builds tension and reminds the audience that a tragic event is going to take place. The audience is, in this way, at the edge of their seats, fully engaged in the play.