Hamlet 4.7 “Let Shame Say What it Will”

The transcript explores Laertes's emotional turmoil following his sister Ophelia's death. He struggles with his tears, feeling shame as a young man of the court. Laertes vows to stop crying to regain his masculinity and seek revenge on Hamlet for his family's tragedies. His speech is filled with water metaphors, reflecting his internal conflict and grief.

What does Laertes forbid himself from doing after learning about Ophelia's death?

• Eating

• Crying

• Laughing

• Speaking

What does Laertes mean when he vows to be purely masculine?

• He will seek revenge.

• He will leave the court.

• He will become a soldier.

• He will stop showing any emotions.

Who does Laertes plan to take revenge on?

• Hamlet

• Polonius

• Claudius

• Gertrude

What metaphor does Laertes use to describe his emotional state?

• Earth and stone

• Wind and storm

• Fire and ice

• Water and drowning

How does Laertes's language reflect his emotional struggle?

• He uses metaphors of fire.

• He speaks in riddles.

• He borrows water metaphors from Gertrude.

• He uses simple and direct language.