[Laertes:] For he himself is subject to his birth; He may not, as unvalu’d persons do, Carve for himself, for on his choice depe
nds The safety and the health of the whole state –Hamlet, William Shakespeare Use the drop-down menus to answer the questions about the passage. What is the meaning of subject in the passage? What is the meaning of carve in the passage?
Subject in this context means 'servant'. Laertes is pointing out that Hamlet is bound to act in a certain way based on his birth and status.
Carve in this context means 'decide'. Again, Laertes is explaining that Hamlet can't make his own decisions to do whatever he wants because he is bound to the throne and the requirements of being the King one day.
