Claudius: He made confession of you,
And gave you such a masterly report
For art and exercise in your defence,
And for your rapier most especially,
That he cried out, âtwould be a sight indeed
If one could match you; the scrimers of their nation,
He swore, had neither motion, guard, nor eye,
If you opposâd them. Sir, this report of his
Did Hamlet so envenom with his envy
That he could nothing do but wish and beg
Your sudden coming oâer, to play with him.
Which correctly evaluates Shakespeareâs use of theme in the passage?
When Claudius uses flattery to convince Laertes to kill Hamlet, Shakespeare emphasizes the theme âPride leads to downfall.â
By having Claudius compliment Laertes, Shakespeare introduces the theme âLove is possible in the face of despair.â
By comparing Laertesâs expertise to Hamletâs jealousy, Shakespeare emphasizes the theme âJealousy leads to failure.â
When Claudius reveals Hamletâs feelings for Laertes, Shakespeare illustrates the theme âTruth is hard to see.â