What is the most likely reason Shakespeare included this passage?
He explains Hamlet’s behavior through Ophelia’s dialogue, thereby tying up loose ends in the plot.
He introduces the conflict between Ophelia and Hamlet, thereby adding suspense and advancing the plot.
He characterizes the relationship between Ophelia and Polonius, thereby adding to the exposition in the plot.
He describes the background between Ophelia and Hamlet, thereby escalating the tension to its highest point in the plot.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The most likely reason Shakespeare included this passage is:
“He introduces the conflict between Ophelia and Hamlet, thereby adding suspense and advancing the plot.”
In Hamlet, the relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia is central to the development of the story, and this passage highlights their shifting dynamics. Hamlet’s behavior toward Ophelia evolves throughout the play, and this moment—often interpreted as Hamlet’s cruelty or feigned madness—is crucial for understanding the deterioration of their relationship.
By including this dialogue, Shakespeare emphasizes the confusion and conflict in Hamlet’s actions, especially in how Ophelia perceives them. Ophelia, in turn, is forced to grapple with Hamlet’s unpredictable and harsh behavior, which directly affects her emotional state and actions. The passage provides insight into Ophelia’s inner turmoil as she grapples with Hamlet’s apparent rejection of her, causing her distress and contributing to her eventual madness and tragic death.
This moment introduces tension, as Ophelia’s dialogue reflects not only her pain but also her confusion about Hamlet’s motives. As the audience is uncertain whether Hamlet is genuinely mad or if he is feigning madness to accomplish his revenge on Claudius, this scene adds to the ambiguity and suspense surrounding Hamlet’s character. The uncertainty deepens the intrigue, advancing the plot by keeping the audience engaged in trying to understand Hamlet’s true intentions.
Furthermore, this conflict is pivotal in setting up future events, particularly Hamlet’s continued oscillation between love and hate for Ophelia and the tragic consequences that follow. Ophelia’s emotional collapse eventually leads to her death, which becomes a catalyst for Laertes’ anger and the climactic confrontation with Hamlet.
Thus, the passage serves to introduce the conflict between Ophelia and Hamlet, which is essential for the play’s suspense and for propelling the narrative forward.