Question

[Polonius:] Bear ’t that th’ opposed may beware of thee. Give every man thine ear, but few thy voice –Hamlet, William Shakespeare Use the drop-down menus to answer the questions about the passage. What is the meaning of the phrase “Bear ’t”? What word is left out between the words but and few?

Answer 1

In Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' 'Bear 't' means 'bear it,' and the missing word between 'but' and 'few' is 'thy,' advising caution in speech.

Step-by-step explanation:

The phrase "Bear 't" in Shakespeare's Hamlet spoken by Polonius means "bear it," where "it" refers to a certain demeanor or conduct that Polonius advises Hamlet to uphold. The word that is implied between "but" and "few" is likely "thy," as in the advice to give "every man thine ear, but few thy voice," which means to listen to many, but speak to few. This piece of advice encapsulates the theme of being cautious with one's speech and whom one trusts. Polonius's counsel to Hamlet is centered on the idea of being observant and reserved, a recurring theme in the narrative of Hamlet.