Question

read the excerpt from an analysis of act iii of hamlet. the fight between hamlet and gertrude reinforces gender stereotypes, as hamlet judges gertrude and she accepts his criticism without attempting to justify her actions. which excerpt provides the best evidence to support the analysis? gertrude: what wilt thou do? thou wilt not murder me? help, help, ho! gertrude: what have i done that thou darst wag thy tongue in noise so rude against me? gertrude: o gentle son! upon the heat and flame of thy distemper sprinkle cool patience. whereon do you look? gertrude: be thou assurd, if words be made of breath, and breath of life, i have no life to breathe what thou hast said to me.

Explanation:

The analysis claims Gertrude accepts Hamlet's criticism without justification. The last option shows Gertrude essentially saying she has no life to counter - argue what Hamlet has said, indicating acceptance without justification.

Answer:

Gertrude: Be thou assur'd, if words be made of breath,
And breath of life, I have no life to breathe
What thou hast said to me.