Question

read the excerpt from act ii of hamlet. i have of late,—but wherefore i know not,—lost all my mirth, forgone all custom of exercises; and indeed it goes so heavily with my disposition that this goodly frame, the earth, seems to me a sterile promontory; this most excellent canopy, the air, look you, this brave oerhanging firmament, this majestical roof fretted with golden fire, why, it appears no other thing to me but a foul and pestilent congregation of vapours. what is the effect of hamlets use of metaphors in this excerpt? the metaphors prove that hamlet is angry with his mother. the metaphors show that hamlet is still feeling hopeful. the metaphors reveal hamlets plan to murder claudius. the metaphors emphasize hamlets state of depression.

Explanation:

Hamlet describes the earth as a sterile promontory and the air - firmament as a foul congregation of vapours, which are dark and negative metaphors. These reflect his depressed state of mind, as he has lost his mirth and has a heavy disposition. There is no indication of anger towards his mother, hope, or a murder plan in these metaphors.

Answer:

The metaphors emphasize Hamlet's state of depression.