Question

Hamlet: ... that’s the French bet against the Danish. Why is this ‘imponed,’ as you call it?

Osric: The king, sir, hath laid, that in a dozen passes between yourself and him [Laertes], he shall not exceed you three hits; he hath laid on twelve for nine, and it would come to immediate trial, if your lordship would vouchsafe the answer.

Hamlet: How if I answer no?

Osric: I mean, my lord, the opposition of your person in trial.
What is the topic of the passage?

a game between the French and Hamlet
a wager between Osric and Hamlet
a fight between Claudius and Hamlet
a duel between Laertes and Hamlet

Answer 1

The topic in this passage refers to the duel between Laertes and Hamlet. This topic is confirmed when Osric , the courtier says that "he shall not exceed you three hits." Symmetrically in the course of the play both Hamlet and Laertes have come to the desire of revenge for the death of their father. Hamlet pretends to fight for the illegitimate king.

Answer 2

Option D. The topic of the passage is a duel between Laertes and Hamlet.

Step-by-step explanation:

The passage is a conversation between Osric and Hamlet in which both characters are discussing a possible upcoming duel between Laertes and Hamlet. Orsic is sent by Claudius to persuade Hamlet to participate in the duel with Laertes, as Claudius sees this event as a good opportunity to get rid of Hamlet. Laertes is willing to participate as he wants to revenge his father's death by killing Hamlet.