Question

hamlet, part 2: word choice and tone
quiz
complete
1 2 3 4 5 6
read the passage from hamlet, act i, scene v:
ghost: i could a tale unfold whose lightest word
would harrow up thy soul, freeze thy young blood,
make thy two eyes, like stars, start from their spheres,
thy knotted and combined locks to part,
and each particular hair to stand an end ...
based on context, what is the meaning of harrow up?
○ vastly puzzle
○ highly please
○ greatly disturb
○ deeply enlighten

Explanation:

To determine the meaning of "harrow" in the context of the Hamlet passage, we analyze the surrounding text. The Ghost is describing an action that would affect Hamlet's soul, eyes, and hair (making it stand on end). The phrase "harrow up thy soul" implies a disturbing or agitating action. Among the options: "vastly puzzle" doesn't fit the intensity of affecting the soul; "highly please" is the opposite of the Ghost's ominous tone; "deeply enlighten" also doesn't match the disturbing context. "Greatly disturb" aligns with the idea of agitating or unsettling the soul, as well as the physical reactions (frozen blood, hair standing) described.

Answer:

greatly disturb