Question

Both the fictional Hamlet and the very real Roger Ebert are book lovers who understand the heights achieved by human intelligence. Compare Hamlet's "What a piece of work is man!" speech in Act II, scene i, to Ebert's statement that he is "grateful for [...] the gift of intelligence, and for life, love, wonder, and laughter" and to Jones's comment that Ebert "still finds joy in books, and in art, and in movies." In what ways are the two men similar? How are they different?

Answer 1

Hamlet and Roger Ebert both admire human intelligence and the arts, yet Hamlet expresses melancholy over human flaws, whereas Ebert feels gratitude and joy.

Step-by-step explanation:

When comparing Hamlet's speech from Act II, scene i of Hamlet, where he ponders "What a piece of work is man!", to Roger Ebert's reflections on being "grateful for [...] the gift of intelligence, and for life, love, wonder, and laughter," and Jones's observation that Ebert "still finds joy in books, and in art, and in movies," there are both similarities and differences to explore. Hamlet, the character crafted by Shakespeare, reveals a deep appreciation for the complexity and potential of humanity, yet this recognition is laced with a sense of melancholy and disillusionment over humans' shortcomings and moral failings. Ebert's sentiment, however, emanates from a genuine gratitude and ongoing joy in the arts, suggesting a more optimistic worldview. Where both Hamlet and Ebert align is in their acknowledgement of human intelligence and the heights it can reach, both resembling the reflective nature of literature and art aficionados. The differences, however, lie within their emotional responses to this realization – Hamlet's is more conflicted, while Ebert's is affirming.

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