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Hamlet Act 2, Scene 2 Analysis – “What a piece of work is a man…”
Read the following selection from Act 2, Scene 2 of Hamlet. Mark/underline/highlight any words or
phrases that really stand out to you – or that you’re confused about. Then, in the blanks to the right,
rewrite the numbered/underlined sections of the text in your own words. In other words, translate the
text so that it’s easier to understand. You may use your graphic novel or textbook.
(1) 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 (2) this goodly frame, the
earth, seems to me a sterile promontory; this
most excellent canopy, the air—look you, (3)
this brave o'erhanging firmament, this
majestical roof fretted with golden fire—why,
it appears no other thing to me than a foul and
pestilent congregation of vapors. What a piece
of work is a man! (4) How noble in reason, how
infinite in faculty! In form and moving how
express and admirable! In action how like an
angel, in apprehension how like a god! The
beauty of the world. The paragon of animals.
(5) And yet, to me, what is this quintessence of
dust? Man delights not me. No, nor woman
neither, though by your smiling you seem to
say so.
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On the back of this paper, answer the following questions. Each of your answers should be in complete
sentences and include at least one embedded quote.
1. How does Hamlet describe the earth? Why do you believe he uses these descriptions?
2. What is one thing to which Hamlet compares mankind? Why might he use the comparison you chose?
3. What do you think Hamlet’s thoughts on human nature tell us about him?
4. Do you agree or disagree with Hamlet’s description of man?