Question

read the excerpt from act ii of hamlet. polonius: well be with you, gentlemen! hamlet: hark you, guildenstern; and you too; at each ear a hearer. that great baby you see there is not yet out of his swaddling - clouts. what is the effect of hamlets use of metaphor in this excerpt? the metaphor reveals that hamlet respects polonius the metaphor shows that hamlet wants poloniuss help. the metaphor portrays polonius as foolish and weak. the metaphor establishes polonius as angry and mean.

Explanation:

Hamlet calls Polonius a "great baby" not out of respect or a need for help. This metaphor is used to mock Polonius, portraying him as foolish and weak, like a baby who is helpless and lacks wisdom. It does not suggest anger or meanness on Polonius' part.

Answer:

The metaphor portrays Polonius as foolish and weak.