Polonius
Polonius is a character in William Shakespeare's Hamlet. He is chief counsellor of the king, and the father of Laertes and Ophelia. Generally regarded as wrong in every judgment he makes over the course of the play, Polonius is described by William Hazlitt as a "sincere" father, but also "a b…
How does Polonius react to Ophelia's accusations against Hamlet?
When Ophelia tries to convince her father that Hamlet's utterances were truthful since he had vowed to heaven about his sincerity, Polonius rejects this by saying that it is a scheme similar to those used to trap woodcocks, birds which are deemed idiotic. His daughter would be foolish to fall for Hamlet's trap and become ensnared.
What advice does hamlet give Ophelia?
He tells her that Hamlet has deceived her in swearing his love, and that she should see through his false vows and rebuff his affections. Ophelia pledges to obey. Click to see full answer. Consequently, what advice does Hamlet give Ophelia? Why? I loved you-I loved you not--she shouldn't have believed him. She should go to a nunnery.
What advice does Laertes give to Polonius about Hamlet?
For example, his first bit of advice to Laertes is don't tell people what is on your mind, or act hastily. Certainly this is ironic because Polonius is unable to act as he instructs his son to act while away at school. Polonius cannot keep his (The entire section contains 554 words.) Why does Laertes warn Ophelia not to fall in love with Hamlet?
What kind of advice does Polonius give to his daughter?
Polonius then extends some fatherly advice to his daughter and says that she should see herself as an innocent baby who has taken Hamlet's offers as the truth. He says that she should value herself more highly or else she would create the impression that he is a fool for not having raised her properly.
What advice does Polonius give Ophelia about Hamlet What does Polonius mean by Hamlet having a larger tether?
He is saying men will say anything to get what they want. Polonius tells Ophelia that Hamlet may walk with a "larger tether" than she. What does this mean? He can go a lot farther than she can without getting into trouble.
What advice does Polonius give Hamlet?
Polonius enters, scolds his son for taking so long, then immediately starts giving him long-winded advice about how to act: be sociable, but not vulgar; do not lend or borrow money; to your own self be true, and on and on... Finally, he lets Laertes leave.
What is Laertes's advice to his sister Ophelia regarding Hamlet?
Laertes is headed to France, and he bids farewell to his sister, Ophelia. He has some brotherly advice for her: don't trust Hamlet, or his confessions of love.
How does Polonius treat Ophelia what advice does he give her?
Polonius tells Ophelia to stop spending time with Hamlet and to forget about him, because his love for her isn't real. Ophelia says that he's always been honorable around her, but she agrees to obey her father. 5.
How does Polonius manipulate Ophelia?
Polonius uses Ophelia as bait in his attempt to find out more about Hamlet when he “looses” her on him (Hamlet 2.2. 162). He employs her to lure and trap Hamlet the way a fisherman would place a worm on a hook.
What order does Polonius give Ophelia?
what does Polonius order Ophelia to do? How does she respond? He tells her that Hamlet doesn't really love her, he just wants her. He orders her to stop seeing him because its only lust.
What advice does Polonius give children?
Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice; Take each man's censure, but reserve thy judgment. 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 of a most select and generous chief in that.
What instruction does Polonius give his daughter Ophelia after learning about her relationship with Hamlet?
What instruction does Polonius give his daughter Ophelia after learning about her relationship with Hamlet? He tells her not to dishonor the family or herself and to remain chaste.
What does Polonius tell his daughter that she must do and why?
What does Polonius tell his daughter that she must do, and why? He tells her to not talk to Hamlet at all because he believes Hamlet is deceiving.
What is Polonius response to what Ophelia tells him where are they going?
What is Polonious´ response to what Ophelia tells him? Where are they going? Polonius thinks Hamlet is mad with love for Ophelia, and they go to Claudius with this problem.
What bitter advice does Hamlet give Ophelia Why?
What bitter advice does Hamlet give Ophelia? Why? Go to a nunnery; he is bitter about love having observed his mother.
What is Laertes advice to Ophelia quizlet?
What is Laertes' advice to Ophelia? He advises her that Hamlet is not the marrying type and that she should stay away from him.
What does Polonius tell Ophelia about Hamlet?
As for Polonius, he tells Ophelia that Hamlet's professions of love mean absolutely nothing. His affections are not real, and if Ophelia believes otherwise, then she's nothing more than a "baby." Even if Hamlet has made vows to Ophelia, they are but "springes to catch woodcocks" (traps to catch birds). When men's hearts are on fire, they're apt to say all kinds of things they don't really mean. Polonius warns Ophelia not to take such expressions at face value or regard them as evidence of true love.
What advice does Polonius give Ophelia?
Both Polonius and Laertes give advice to Ophelia in Act 1, Scene 3. Laertes enjoins his sister not to take any expressions of love from Hamlet seriously and to protect her virtue. In other words, modern words, Laertes tells his sister that he believes Hamlet only says words of love to get Ophelia in a loving mood and go to bed with him.
What does Laertes warn Ophelia?
Also, Laertes warns Ophelia against to restrain her affections lest she be embarrassed: "Be wary then...". Ophelia promises to heed his advice. Polonius enters and bids Laertes be prudent on his venture to Paris. Then he asks his daughter about Hamlet and her.
What does Polonius say about Ophelia?
Polonius reiterates this when he enters and asks Ophelia what she and Laertes have been talking about. He says that Ophelia is young and "green" and that it would be foolish of her to believe Hamlet's "tenders.".
Why does Polonius warn Hamlet?
Polonius warns his daughter against showing affection , also. However, his reasons are that Hamlet may simply be trying to seduce her with "mere implications of unholy suits. To both her brother's and to her father's advice Ophelia promises to "abide.". Approved by eNotes Editorial Team.
What does Laertes say about marriage?
In Act I, scene iii, Laertes warns his sister to not take Prince Hamlet's profession of love seriously as marriages for princes are usually matters of state. In other words, royal marriages are made for political reasons, not for love:
What does Ophelia promise to do?
To both her brother's and to her father's advice Ophelia promises to "abide."
What did Polonius tell Ophelia about Hamlet?
When Polonius inquires of Ophelia what she had been discussing with her brother, Laertes, she tells him that they spoke about Hamlet. Polonius then states that he had heard that Hamlet had been spending some time with Ophelia. He then suggests:
What does Polonius suggest about Hamlet?
He suggests that being young, Hamlet is ablaze with passion, but it is a fire that will soon burn out. Ophelia must not see these heartfelt promises as true passion, for they die even as they are made. Polonius advises Ophelia not to make herself so easily available to Hamlet and must therefore treasure her time and see less of him. ...
What does Polonius advise Ophelia to do?
Polonius advises Ophelia not to make herself so easily available to Hamlet and must therefore treasure her time and see less of him. She must place a greater value on herself and not seem so easily available. He implores her not to believe Hamlet for what he says is only to fulfill his lust (unholy suits).
Why is Polonius so strict with his daughter?
It is ironic that Polonius is so strict with his daughter at this point, for later in the play he will do a complete about-turn and use his daughter to glean information from Hamlet. He will actually encourage her to lead Hamlet on and essentially spy on the young prince so that he can report the details to Claudius.
What does Hamlet's father say about Ophelia?
When Ophelia tells him that Hamlet had actually made sincere promises of his love in an honourable manner, her father says that she must not talk nonsense. He uses the word 'fashion' to mean that it is something of short duration. He is implying that Hamlet is not sincere. His so-called passion for Ophelia is of a fleeting nature and will not last.
What does Polonius say about Hamlet's utterances?
When Ophelia tries to convince her father that Hamlet's utterances were truthful since he had vowed to heaven about his sincerity, Polonius rejects this by saying that it is a scheme similar to those used to trap woodcocks, birds which are deemed idiotic. His daughter would be foolish to fall for Hamlet's trap and become ensnared.
What are Hamlet's vows?
Hamlet's vows are not sincere and can be broken as easily as they have been made. Hamlet's promises are mere tools to mislead her. He then commands her: This is for all: I would not, in plain terms, from this time forth, Have you so slander any moment leisure, As to give words or talk with the Lord Hamlet.
What does Hamlet say to Ophelia when she tells him about her relationship with Polonius?
When Ophelia discloses the nature of their relationship – that Hamlet has ‘made many tenders of his affection’ to her – he ridicules her revelation: ‘Affection! Pooh! You speak like a green girl’ and ‘think yourself a baby’. Evidently, Polonius considers her grown-up daughter to be immature and naïve. Polonius advises Ophelia to ‘tender’ herself ‘more dearly’ or else that she will ‘tender’ him ‘a fool’. Clearly, Polonius is simultaneously protective of her daughter and concerned about his status in the Danish court.
What does Polonius say about Hamlet?
At the start of the passage, Polonius mentions that he does not approve of the ‘private time’ Hamlet has spent on Ophelia. He explains to Ophelia: ‘You do not understand yourself so clearly As it behooves my daughter and your honor’ - Polonius states that Ophelia is unaware how much her ‘free and bounteous’ attention to Hamlet is wrecking the social reputation of their family. Clearly, Polonius’ reputation in the court is one of his primary concerns. However, this does not imply that he has any less concern for the well-being of her daughter.
What does Polonius' actions reveal about Ophelia?
Although Polonius’ stakes in the Danish court are of prime importance to him, his actions reveal that he is also protective of her daughter Ophelia. Ophelia in turn is equally subservient to her father’s wishes. This indicates a strong bond in the father-daughter relationship.
Who has decided to obey Polonius' advice?
Ophelia, in spite of her earlier strong but polite defence, has decided ‘to obey’ Polonius’ advice.
Is Polonius' daughter immature?
All in all, Polonius considers her daughter immature and therefore is very protective of her. Ophelia herself is very loyal to her father and is willing to sacrifice even her love for the prince of Denmark to sustain that loyalty.