Question

What conclusion does Ophelia draw from Hamlet’s behavior in act III, scene I, in which he tells her to “Get thee to a nunnery”? A. that he is feigning madness B. that he is a misogynist C. that he has lost his mind D. that he is unfit for the throne

Answer 1

C. That he has lost his mind.

Step-by-step explanation:

William Shakespeare's tragedy "Hamlet" is about the revenge of the former king on the hands of his own brother Claudius who had become the present king. The ghost of the former king had instigated and told his young son Hamlet to avenge his death, for what the present king had done is outright wrong.

In Act III scene I, we see Ophelia and Hamlet conversing while secretly listened to by their fathers. Ophelia was trying to give him his things back when Hamlet exclaims that she should be kept in a nunnery, for "Why would [she] want to give birth to more sinners?". Hamlet has come to the realization that "we’re all rotten at the core, no matter how hard we try to be virtuous." This claim or act of Hamlet let Ophelia to be further assured of his insanity.

Answer 2

Answer: C. that he has lost his mind.

Ophelia is in love with Hamlet, and she believes him to be in love with her too. However, as Hamlet becomes more and more tortured and confused by his desire for revenge, his behaviour becomes more erratic. When Ophelia tries to talk to him, he tells her to go to a nunnery (to become a nun, which implies he does not love her anymore). This leads Ophelia to believe he has lost his mind, and she laments the man he once was.