Final answer:
In 'Hamlet,' the speech about Pyrrhus and Priam represents the tradition of adapting classical stories in Elizabethan theatre.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Act 2, Scene 2 of Hamlet, the protagonist requests a recitation of a speech about Pyrrhus, the son of Achilles, and his deed of slaying Priam, the king of Troy. This speech reflects the theatrical tradition of the Elizabethan era, where classical stories were often adapted for the stage. It serves as an example of how Shakespeare and his contemporaries drew from ancient histories and transformed them into compelling narratives for their audiences, blending contemporary performance styles with stories from antiquity.