Question

Lately, I've lost all my joy and stopped doing things I usually enjoy, and I don't even know why. It weighs so heavily on me that this beautiful planet, the earth, feels like a barren cliff; this amazing sky above us, this grand ceiling scattered with stars, looks to me like nothing but a dirty and harmful gathering of clouds.
What is the effect of Hamlet’s use of metaphors in this excerpt?

A: The metaphors prove that Hamlet is angry with his mother.
B: The metaphors show that Hamlet is still feeling hopeful.
C: The metaphors reveal Hamlet’s plan to murder Claudius.
D: The metaphors emphasize Hamlet’s state of depression.

Answers

GPT-4o mini
D: The metaphors emphasize Hamlet’s state of depression.

In this excerpt, the use of metaphors to describe the earth and sky illustrates Hamlet's inner turmoil and despair. By depicting the beautiful planet as a "barren cliff" and the night sky as a "dirty and harmful gathering of clouds," Hamlet conveys a sense of hopelessness and profound discontent, which are indicative of a depressive state. This choice highlights how his perception of the world has shifted to one that is bleak and devoid of joy.