Final answer:
The accident that occurs is b. Hamlet accidentally stabs Polonius behind the arras. This event intensifies the tragedy and illustrates Hamlet's inner conflict and inability to express his deep emotions towards Gertrude's actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The accident that occurs when Gertrude confronts Hamlet about his madness, and Hamlet confronts her about her hastened marriage is b. Hamlet accidentally stabs Polonius behind the arras. This tragic misunderstanding is a pivotal moment in the play, resulting in the unintended killing of the courtier while he eavesdrops on their conversation. This act of violence escalates the drama and leads to further tragic consequences.
The struggle Hamlet faces is that his disgust towards his mother's actions and his troubled emotions cannot be adequately articulated or resolved within the framework of the existing facts, leading to his erratic behavior. Gertrude's character represents Hamlet's internal conflict, as she does not sufficiently symbolize the depth of his feelings, leaving them inexpressible and unresolved.
Hamlet accidentally stabs Polonius behind the arras. This occurs when Hamlet, in his emotional state, mistakenly believes that Polonius is Claudius hiding behind the arras and stabs him with his sword. This accident leads to further turmoil and consequences in the play.
Therefore answer is b. Hamlet accidentally stabs Polonius behind the arras.