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Read the extracts below and then answer the questions that follow - NSC English HL - Question 11 - 2019 - Paper 2
Question 11
Read the extracts below and then answer the questions that follow. EXTRACT E OPHELIA I shall the effect of this good lesson keep As watchman to my heart. But good ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read the extracts below and then answer the questions that follow - NSC English HL - Question 11 - 2019 - Paper 2
Step 1
Refer to lines 1–2: 'I shall the ... to my heart.' Explain the 'lesson' to which Ophelia is referring.
Answer
Ophelia refers to the advice given to her by Laertes regarding her relationship with Hamlet. The 'lesson' emphasizes the importance of safeguarding her heart against false affections. Laertes warns her against taking Hamlet's declarations seriously, suggesting that they may not be genuine or lasting.
Step 2
Refer to lines 29–30: 'Affection, pooh! You ... such perilous circumstance.' Explain how these lines reflect Polonius's attitude toward Ophelia.
Answer
Polonius exhibits a dismissive attitude, undermining Ophelia's intelligence and maturity. He sees her as naive and lacks awareness of the potential consequences of her relationship with Hamlet. His dismissive expression ('pooh') shows his condescension and reinforces his role as a controlling father who underestimates her.
Step 3
Refer to lines 33–35: 'Think yourself a ... are not sterling.' Based on your knowledge of the play as a whole, discuss whether Polonius's assessment of Hamlet's feelings for Ophelia is accurate.
Answer
Polonius's view that Hamlet's feelings are insincere is somewhat accurate but overly simplistic. Hamlet does indeed vacillate in his affections, driven by deeper conflicts and existential struggle. While he deeply cares for Ophelia, his actions often suggest otherwise, complicating Polonius’s interpretation of Hamlet’s intentions.
Step 4
Refer to lines 2–7: 'But good my ... his own rede.' Using these lines as a starting point, comment on the hypocrisy that is prevalent in Denmark.
Answer
Ophelia's concerns about double standards highlight the hypocrisy in Denmark. While advising her to follow virtuous paths, the characters, particularly Polonius and Laertes, engage in duplicitous behaviors themselves. This contradiction reflects the moral decay present in the Danish court, where outward appearances often mask true intentions.
Step 5
Refer to line 2: 'There's matter in these sighs, these profound heaves'. Account for Gertrude's present state of mind.
Answer
Gertrude's agitation signifies her emotional turmoil, stemming from the rapid changes in her life, including her marriage to Claudius shortly after King Hamlet's death. This conflict between her personal guilt and the societal pressures she faces contributes to her disturbed state of mind, as she grapples with remorse and confusion.
Step 6
Refer to lines 10–14: 'In his lawless ... good old man.' If you were the director of a production of Hamlet, describe how you would direct the actress playing Gertrude to deliver these lines. Justify your answer with reference to both body language and tone.
Answer
I would direct the actress to deliver these lines with a tone that conveys both desperation and a touch of sadness. Her body language should reflect unease, perhaps with gestures that indicate her internal conflict—clutching her hands or avoiding direct eye contact. This portrayal would emphasize Gertrude's conflicted emotions regarding her husband's behavior and her own moral ambiguity.
Step 7
Refer to lines 19–23: 'Alas, how shall ... was most fit!'. Comment on the irony of Claudius's words.
Answer
Claudius's words are laden with irony, as he laments Hamlet's grief while being acutely aware of his own role in creating that grief by murdering King Hamlet. His attempts to control Hamlet's emotions reveal his self-centered nature and his disingenuous concern for Hamlet's well-being, masking his guilt and ambition.
Step 8
Refer to line 22: 'This mad young man.' Critically discuss the extent to which you agree with Claudius's assertion that Hamlet is mad. Refer to the play as a whole in your response.
Answer
Claudius's view of Hamlet's madness deserves scrutiny. Hamlet displays signs of genuine grief and indecision rather than outright madness. His feigned insanity serves as a strategic cover for his quest for revenge against Claudius. While some of Hamlet's actions could be seen as mad, they are often driven by rational motives, reflecting a deeper psychological struggle rather than true insanity.