Question

Read the excerpt from Hamlet.

Hamlet: No, faith, not a jot; but to follow him thither with modesty enough, and likelihood to lead it; as thus: Alexander died, Alexander was buried, Alexander returneth into dust; the dust is earth; of earth we make loam, and why of that loam, whereto he was converted, might they not stop a beer-barrel?

Imperious Caesar, dead and turn’d to clay,

Might stop a hole to keep the wind away

Shakespeare makes allusions to the great rulers Alexander and Caesar to

contrast the deaths of Alexander and Caesar.
show how kings should behave around death.
compare Hamlet to two rulers who died.
emphasize that everyone eventually dies.

Answer 1

emphasize that everyone eventually dies.

Explanation: Hamlet’s reference to Alexander and Caesar reduces these mighty rulers to dust and a use as humble as stopping a beer-barrel, underscoring that death levels all people regardless of power or fame.