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All Site ContentHamletAct 5Scene 1
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"bore arms"
Historical Allusion
Act 5,
Scene 1
Lines 31-37

An explanation of the phrase “bore arms” in Act 5, Scene 1 of myShakespeare’s Hamlet.

Second Gravedigger   

Was he a gentleman?

First Gravedigger   

He was the first that ever bore arms.

Second Gravedigger   

Why, he had none.

First Gravedigger 

Why, art a heathen? How dost thou understand the
Scripture? The Scripture says Adam digged. Could    
he dig without arms? I'll put another question to thee.
If thou answerest me not to the purpose, confess thyself.    

In this context, to bear arms means to display your coat of arms, the emblem of a noble family.