Question

Read the excerpt from Act IV of Hamlet.

Hamlet: Rightly to be great
Is not to stir without great argument,
But greatly to find quarrel in a straw
When honour’s at the stake.

What is the most likely reason Shakespeare repeats "great” and "greatly”?

Shakespeare utilizes the repetition of “great” to help illustrate Hamlet’s lack of a main point.
By repeating the same word, Shakespeare shows that Hamlet is not sure of his point.
Shakespeare capitalizes on the multiple meanings of “great” to help emphasize Hamlet’s point.
By using a word with multiple meanings, Shakespeare shows that Hamlet is not good at making his point.

Answer 1

Shakespeare capitalizes on the multiple meanings of “great” to help emphasize Hamlet’s point.

The repetition plays on noun/adjective/adverb senses — “to be great” (truly noble) isn’t to act without good cause, but “greatly” (vigorous/valiant action) is justified when honour is at stake — reinforcing Hamlet’s idea of what real greatness is.