Analyzing Figurative Language
[Ghost:] The serpent that did sting thy father's life
Now wears his crown.
-Hamlet,
William Shakespeare
In this passage, the ghost compares King Claudius to a
serpent. Which statement best describes the effect of
this metaphor?
It helps the reader understand the kind of crown
that Claudius wears.
It uses a striking image to show that Claudius is
sneaky and evil.
It shows how a snake is like other animals that
sting
It creates a vivid comparison between Denmark
and a zoo