Explain the following lines from Shakespearean Tragedy “Hamlet” and Shakespearean comedy “The Merchant of Venice”. The first one has been done for you to set an example.
Question 1)
“You know me well, and herein spend but time …To wind about my love with circumstance. And out of doubt you do me now more wrong …In making question of my uttermost Than if you had made waste of all I have. Then do but say to me what I should do…That in your knowledge may by me be done, And I am pressed unto it. Therefore speak”.
Answer 1)
After Bassanio shows concern about the money he owes Antonio, Antonio reassures Bassanio by describing how he views their friendship. Antonio passionately explains that Bassanio should not worry about this money because their friendship is stronger than any debts. Antonio adds that when Bassanio doubts their friendship’s strength, he creates more worry and pain than any financial strain can cause. Antonio and Bassanio’s relationship reflects the theme of friendship throughout the play. The two men clearly care very deeply for one another.
Question 2)
Was’t Hamlet wronged Laertes? Never Hamlet.
If Hamlet from himself be ta’en away,
And when he’s not himself does wrong Laertes,
Then Hamlet does it not. Hamlet denies it.
Who does it, then? His madness.
Answer 2)
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Question 3)
All that glisters is not gold— Often have you heard that told. Many a man his life hath sold But my outside to behold. Gilded tombs do worms enfold. Had you been as wise as bold, Young in limbs, in judgment old, Your answer had not been inscrolled. Fare you well . . .
Answer 3)
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Question 4)
“To be, or not to be: that is the question:
Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,
And by opposing end them?—To die,—to sleep,—
No more; and by a sleep to say we end
The heartache, and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to,—’tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wish’d. To die,—to sleep;—
To sleep: perchance to dream:—ay, there’s the rub;
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come,
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause: there’s the respect
That makes calamity of so long life;.”
Answer 4)
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Question 5)
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
Answer 5)
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