Final answer:
The figurative language in Act II of 'Hamlet' primarily conveys Hamlet's confusion and the inexpressibility of his intense emotions, reflecting both the character's and Shakespeare's struggles with articulating complex feelings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The effect of the figurative language used in this excerpt from Act II of Hamlet primarily shows Hamlet's confusion and his struggle to express his deep and complicated emotions. The passage reveals that Hamlet is overwhelmed by feelings of disgust that are not only related to his mother, Gertrude, but also far exceed her as the source. His emotion is so great that it becomes inexpressible and lacks an objective correlative in the world of the play, leading to a sense of paralysis and an inability to take action.
The complexity of Hamlet's character and his emotions cannot be fully represented in the external events of the plot or through any single character, including Gertrude. This discrepancy between Hamlet's internal experience and his external reality allows us to understand why none of the possible actions available to Hamlet can resolve the turmoil he feels inside. Shakespeare's exploration of these themes touches on universal experiences of intense, often adolescent emotions that do not have a clear outlet or expression.
Furthermore, the excerpt suggests that Shakespeare himself might have struggled with similar emotions, as Hamlet's bafflement seems to reflect the playwright's own artistic challenges. This deep connection between character and creator intensifies the portrayal of Hamlet's inner life and provides a dense layer of psychological complexity to the play.