Question

Read the passage from Hamlet, Act I, Scene iii.

Polonius: Beware
Of entrance to a quarrel, but, being in,
Bear ’t that th’ opposed may beware of thee.
Give every man thine ear, but few thy voice;
Take each man’s censure, but reserve thy judgment.
Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy,
But not express’d in fancy; rich, not gaudy ...

Shakespeare’s word choice in the passage creates a tone that is

argumentative.
cautious.
conceited.
nervous.

Answer 1

cautious.

Polonius uses warning and advisory diction ("Beware," "reserve thy judgment," "Give every man thine ear, but few thy voice") that urges prudence and restraint.