Question

question 7 of 10
read this passage:
hecate. have i not reason, beldams as you are,
saucy and overbold? how did you dare
to trade and traffic with macbeth
in riddles and affairs of death,
and i, the mistress of your charms,
the close contriver of all harms,
was never called to bear my part,
or show the glory of our art?
—william shakespeare, macbeth, act iii, scene v
based on the context, what is the meaning of \bear\?
a. to provide news
b. to be patient with
c. to join in and help out
d. to give birth to

Explanation:

In the context of the passage, Hecate is complaining that she was not called to be part of (join in and help out with) the dealings with Macbeth. The phrase “bear my part” implies taking on a role or contributing, which aligns with “to join in and help out”. Option A “to provide news” has no connection to the context. Option B “to be patient with” is not relevant as there is no indication of patience. Option D “to give birth to” is a literal meaning that does not fit the figurative language of the play.

Answer:

C. To join in and help out