Question

Read the excerpt below and answer the question.

… The spirit that I have seen
May be the devil: and the devil hath power
To assume a pleasing shape; yea, and perhaps
Out of my weakness and my melancholy, …

… (Hamlet; Act II, scene ii)

What is the meaning of the word melancholy, as it is used above?

depression
outrage
estasy
greed

Answer 1

depression is the answer

Answer 2

Answer:

Appearances compared to reality

Explanation:

“and the devil hath power to ASSUME A PLEASING SHAPE.” the reality is it is the devil(“may be the devil”) but the appearance is a “pleasing shape.”