Question

2. Which statement best explains how the word fair is used in this scene?

A. The word fair refers to Ophelia's lack of beauty and judgement.
B. Hamlet uses the word fair to link Ophelia's beauty with what he sees as her lack of honesty.
C. Hamlet introduces the idea of being "fair" because Ophelia calls his gifts unkind.
D. The word fair refers to the open and honest relationship that Ophelia and Hamlet used to have.

Answer 1

B. Hamlet uses the word fair to link Ophelia's beauty with what he sees as her lack of honesty.

Step-by-step explanation:

Option B is the best explanation of how the word "fair" is used in this scene. When Hamlet says, "Are you honest?" and Ophelia responds, "My lord?" Hamlet then tells her, "Are you fair?" In this context, "fair" is not used to refer to Ophelia's lack of beauty or judgement (option A). It is also not used in response to Ophelia calling his gifts unkind (option C). Instead, Hamlet seems to be linking Ophelia's beauty with what he sees as her lack of honesty, suggesting that beautiful women are often deceptive or untrustworthy. This is in line with Hamlet's overall distrust of women, which is a recurring theme in the play.

~~~Harsha~~~