Question

[First Player:] But, as we often see, against some storm,

A silence in the heavens, the rack stand still,

The bold winds speechless and the orb below

As hush as death, anon the dreadful thunder

Doth rend the region; so, after Pyrrhus’ pause,

Aroused vengeance sets him new a-work

–Hamlet,
William Shakespeare

What is the combined effect of the figurative language and allusions in this passage?

an emphasis on revenge, inevitable violence, and death
an emphasis on solitude and everlasting peace
an emphasis on heartbreak and sorrow

Answer 1

an emphasis on revenge, inevitable violence, and death

The personification and storm imagery (the hush before the dreadful thunder) create an ominous stillness that presages sudden, violent action, and the allusion to Pyrrhus — famously a brutal avenger — directly evokes vengeance and killing. Together they underscore revenge and inevitable violence leading to death.