Quick Review Flashcards - Click to flip and test your knowledge!
Question
In Polonius's advice, what is the first precept he gives Laertes regarding thoughts and speech?
Answer
He advises him to 'Give thy thoughts no tongue', meaning not to speak everything he thinks.
Question
What does Polonius mean by the line 'Nor any unproportion'd thought his act'?
Answer
Do not act on thoughts that have not been thoroughly considered.
Question
How does Polonius advise Laertes to behave with people socially?
Answer
He should 'Be thou familiar, but by no means vulgar'.
Question
What should Laertes do with the friends he has already tested and found true?
Answer
He should 'Grapple them to thy soul with hoops of steel', meaning hold on to them tightly.
Question
What is Polonius's advice concerning making new friends?
Answer
He warns against being too quick to embrace new, untested acquaintances ('each new-hatch'd, unfledg'd courage').
Question
What is Polonius's two-part advice regarding quarrels?
Answer
First, to 'Beware of entrance to a quarrel', but second, if in one, to act in such a way that the opponent will fear you.
Question
Polonius advises Laertes to 'Give every man thy ear, but _____'.
Answer
few thy voice
Question
How should Laertes handle the opinions and judgements of others?
Answer
He should listen to everyone's criticism ('Take each man's censure'), but keep his own judgement to himself ('reserve thy judgement').
Question
What is Polonius's specific advice on how Laertes should dress?
Answer
His clothes should be as costly as he can afford, but they should be rich, not gaudy or ostentatious.
Question
According to Polonius, what does a person's choice of clothing often do?
Answer
It 'proclaims the man', meaning it reveals their character and social standing.
Question
What famous piece of financial advice does Polonius give to Laertes?
Answer
'Neither a borrower, nor a lender be'.
Question
According to Polonius, what are the negative consequences of lending money?
Answer
One often loses both the money and the friend to whom it was lent.
Question
According to Polonius, what is the negative consequence of borrowing money?
Answer
It 'dulls the edge of husbandry', meaning it encourages poor financial management and thriftlessness.
Question
What is the final and most important piece of advice Polonius gives to Laertes?
Answer
'This above all: to thine own self be true'.
Question
What is the logical consequence of being true to oneself, according to Polonius?
Answer
It follows that you cannot then be false to any other person.
Question
According to the notes on the page, what is the modern English meaning of 'NOR ANY UNPROPORTION'D THOUGHT HIS ACT'?
Answer
Do not act without thinking things out.
Question
According to the notes on the page, what is the modern English meaning of 'GIVE EVERY MAN THINE EAR'?
Answer
Listen to everyone.