Question

Act I, Scene ii
HORATIO: My lord, I came to see your father’s funeral.
HAMLET: I prithee do no mock me, fellow student,
I think it was to see my mother’s wedding.
HORATIO: Indeed, my lord, it followed hard upon.
HAMLET: Thrift, thrift, Horatio! The funeral baked meats
Did coldly furnish forth the marriage tables.
Would I had met my dearest foe in heaven
Or ever I had seen that day, Horatio!
My father—methinks I see my father.
HORATIO: O, where, my lord?
HAMLET: In my mind’s eye, Horatio.
HORATIO: I saw him once. He was a goodly king.
HAMLET: He was a man, take him for all in all.
I shall not look upon his like again.
HORATIO: My lord, I think I saw him yesternight.
HAMLET: Saw? Who?
HORATIO: My lord, the King your father.
HAMLET: The King my father?
HORATIO: Season your admiration for a while
With an attent ear, till I may deliver,
Upon the witness of these gentlemen,
This marvel to you.
HAMLET:
For God’s love let me hear!

from Hamlet by William Shakespeare
7
Which of the following best describes the style of Hamlet and Horatio's speech?
A.
relaxed and chatty
B.
eloquent and positive
C.
strict and formal
D.
witty and amusing

Answer 1

C. The dialogue uses elevated, courtly diction and a formal, solemn tone rather than casual or humorous language.