Asked by Yay

Read the passage from Hamlet, Act II, Scene i.

Polonius: How now, Ophelia! what’s the matter?
Ophelia: Alas! my lord, I have been so affrighted.
Polonius: With what, in the name of God?
Ophelia: My lord, as I was sewing in my closet,
Lord Hamlet, with his doublet all unbrac’d;
No hat upon his head; his stockings foul’d ...

Which word in the passage is the key to understanding Ophelia’s tone?

matter
affrighted
unbrac’d
foul’d

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
affrighted

It directly names her emotional state—frightened/distressed—setting a fearful, alarmed tone. The other words are neutral or descriptive of Hamlet’s appearance.