Question

Read the excerpt from an analysis of Act III of Hamlet. The fight between Hamlet and Gertrude reinforces gender stereotypes, as Hamlet judges Gertrude and she accepts his criticism without attempting to justify her actions. Which excerpt provides the best evidence to support the analysis? A. Gertrude: What wilt thou do? thou wilt not murder me? Help, help! B. Gertrude: What have I done that thou dar’st wag thy tongue In noise so rude against me? C. Gertrude: O gentle son! Upon the heat and flame of thy distemper Sprinkle cool patience. Whereon do you look? D. Gertrude: Be thou assur’d, if words be made of breath, And breath of life, I have no life to breathe What thou hast said to me.

Answer 1

D. Gertrude: Be thou assur’d, if words be made of breath, And breath of life, I have no life to breathe What thou hast said to me.

Answer 2

Answer: D. Gertrude: Be thou assur’d, if words be made of breath, And breath of life, I have no life to breathe What thou hast said to me.

In Scene 4 of Act III, we witness a fight between Gertrude and Hamlet. Hamlet accuses his mother of having committed a great sin when she married Claudius. He forces her to compare her two partners, and then to promise not to sleep with Claudius that night and not to breathe a word of what has happened. In particular, he urges her to not mention Hamlet's alleged "madness." In this line, Gertrude agrees to keep the secret, saying that she is too "dead" to talk, as talking requires breathing. In this way, she assures Hamlet that she will not betray his trust.

The scene reinforces gender stereotypes because Hamlet is particularly dominant. Moreover, Gertrude accepts everything Hamlet says and promises to be obedient, without trying to defend herself at any point.