Question

Read the passage from Hamlet, Act I, Scene iii. Polonius: Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy, But not express’d in fancy; rich, not gaudy; For the apparel oft proclaims the man, And they in France of the best rank and station Are most select and generous, chief in that. Which meaning of habit does Shakespeare use in this passage? a)addiction b)attirec) behavior d)custom

Answer 1

Answer:

Shakespeare represents B) attire in this passage:

Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy, But not express’d in fancy; rich, not gaudy; For the apparel oft proclaims the man, And they in France of the best rank and station Are most select and generous, chief in that.

Explanation:

The elements behind the answer are: that the character we are describing is a habit as expensive as the coin can pay. But that is not done to show wealth or power. But the character of the man it wants to be represented. But the defining factor is that Shakespeare claims that the best and most ranked selections are found in France because they are the dominant party in that habit. All characteristics of clothing or attire, a form of calling etiquette or elegant clothing style.

Answer 2

In this case, habit means attire, or clothing.