Question

read the excerpt from act iv of hamlet. hamlet: prithee to be great to not stir without great argument. but greatly to find quarrel in a straw when honours at the stake. what is the most likely reason shakespeare repeats \great\ and \greatly\? shakespeare utilized the repetition of \great\ to help illustrate hamlets lack of a main point. by repeating the same word, shakespeare shows that hamlet is not sure of his point. shakespeare capitalizes on the multiple meanings of \great\ to help emphasize hamlets point. by using a word with multiple meanings, shakespeare shows that hamlet is not good at making his point.

Explanation:

Shakespeare often used words with multiple - meanings for emphasis. Here, "great" can mean of high status or importance, and "greatly" can mean to a large degree. Repeating these words emphasizes Hamlet's point about honor and action.

Answer:

Shakespeare capitalizes on the multiple meanings of "great" to help emphasize Hamlet's point.