Hamlet 2.2 Allusion: Hecuba

The transcript discusses a play about the fall of Troy, focusing on Hecuba's intense reaction to her husband Priam's death. It highlights the performance's impact on the audience, including the gods, and draws parallels between the Greek story and Hamlet's situation. Unlike Gertrude, Hecuba is devastated by her husband's death, which occurs publicly and honorably. The story presents Puris as a model for Hamlet, exemplifying swift, decisive action.

What event marks the beginning of the play about the fall of Troy?

• The Greeks ransacking the city

• The marriage of Helen and Paris

• The construction of the Trojan Horse

• The birth of Achilles

How is Hecuba's reaction to her husband's death described?

• Indifferent and detached

• Joyful and relieved

• Calm and composed

• Intense and moving

What is the significance of the gods in Hecuba's story?

• They are moved to tears by Hecuba's grief

• They intervene to save Priam

• They punish the Greeks for their actions

• They remain indifferent to human suffering

In what way does Hecuba's reaction differ from Gertrude's in Hamlet?

• Hecuba celebrates, while Gertrude mourns

• Hecuba's grief is public, while Gertrude's is private

• Hecuba is indifferent, while Gertrude is devastated

• Hecuba is joyful, while Gertrude is indifferent

What characteristic of Puris does Hamlet admire?

• His ability to forgive

• His compassion for enemies

• His swift and decisive action

• His reluctance to fight