Question

What theme of the play Hamlet is apparent in these lines?

Alexander was buried, Alexander returneth to dust; the dust is
earth; of earth we make loam; and why of that loam whereto he
was converted might they not stop a beer-barrel?
Imperious Caesar, dead and turn'd to clay,
Might stop a hole to keep the wind away.

revenge
corruption
mortality
insanity
greed

Answer 1

Answer: C) Mortality.

Explanation: In literature, the theme is the underlying message of a story, it is what critical belief about life is the author trying to convey in the writing of a novel, play, short story or poem. Usually this belief, or idea, is universal and transcends cultural barriers. In the given lines from "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare, we can see the theme of mortality, by alluding to the death of very important people (like Alexander and Caesar).

Answer 2

Mortality.
These lines could be alluded to "Ashes to ashes; dust to dust". Death is the ultimate equalizer. Notice how he the names spoken of are names of great people. This just emphasizes the inevitability of death. No one, no matter how great and strong, can escape death. It comes for all of us. We die; we are mortals.