Question

[Hamlet:] For in that sleep of death what dreams may come

When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,

Must give us pause. There’s the respect

That makes calamity of so long life

–Hamlet,
William Shakespeare

Based on this section of the soliloquy, which words best describe Hamlet’s attitude toward life?

bored and scornful
hopeful and curious
pessimistic and despairing
relaxed and nostalgic

Answer 1

pessimistic and despairing

Hamlet calls life a "calamity" and worries about the unknown "dreams" after death, showing fear and a bleak view that makes him endure suffering rather than risk the uncertain beyond.