Polonius, 1.3, "This is the very ecstasy of love,whose violent property fordoes itselfand leads the will to desperate undertakingsas oft as any passion under heaventhat does afflict our natures." In the first scene of Act 1, Claudius gained popularity by expressing his grief for his brothers death, thanking the people for approving his quick marriage and smoothing over a military discrepancy. He tells her that she does not know what true love is and that Hamlets supposed offers are false you have taen these tenders for true pay, Which are not sterling (1.3, 112-113). It appears that Polonius may be using Laertes as a pawn in his political games, and is trying to control his movements. Facebook Loading. Both Laertes and Polonius seem to have similar opinions on Ophelia and Hamlets relationship and are similar characters, whereas Ophelia is more doubtful of her father. Infographic PLUS Graphic Novel PLUS Full Play Quotes Plotting, spying, and stratagems Look you, sir, Inquire me first what Danskers are in Paris, And how, and who, what means, and where they keep, What company, at what expense; and finding By this encompassment and drift of question That they do know my son, come you more nearer 3.38). He wants Reynaldo to suggest to these people that Laertes does bad things and if they agree then they have obviously seen him do something bad. tender yourself more dearly,or (not to crack the wind of the poor phrase,running it thus) you'll tender me a fool." Hamlet Act Two: Spies and Manipulators | Cox Teach: Course Blogs Worried about Laertes in France, Polonius sends his servant, Reynaldo, to spy on his son. I interpret Hamlets nutshell line as a comment on how ignorance is bliss. If Hamlet were also to succeed in the murder of Claudius, the already crumbling government of Denmark would collapse, leaving it open to infestation from one of its enemy countries. But, good my brother, do not as some ungracious pastors do (I.III. Claudius appears to be confident in his quick decisions but it is not clear if Claudius has called on Rosencrantz and Guildenstern because he is suspicious of Hamlet, or if has called on them to keep his popularity. On the contrary, Ophelia cannot respect the courteous tone, low status, and monetary worthlessness of Laertes. I believe that there may be a sibling rivalry between Laertes and Ophelia. Do you think Polonius is justified in his manipulation of Ophelia? Hamlet Act II Flashcards | Quizlet Graphic Novel PLUS Polonius Character Analysis Polonius is a proud and concerned father. This is very different from the Hamlet in act 1, who is filled with hate for Claudius and eager to act. His plan to spy is nothing more than a controlling fathers action. Polonius uses offensive metaphors and abrasive language against both Ophelia and her lover, Hamlet, to make his point. Scene 1 Polonius sets a spy on Laertes Polonius sends Reynaldo to France to keep an eye on his son's behaviour. His philosophy seems to be that ones mindset determines whether a situation is good or bad, not the physical situation. This scene features important speeches and interactions. Even though Laertes originally warned Ophelia, she decided to seek help from her father. Reynaldo I will, my lord. After he has offended her integrity, he then tells her that it is Hamlets fault. Polonius - Wikipedia 67-68). Polonius is willing to trash the reputation of his own son just to find out information. Reynaldo My lord, I did intend it. She says, My lord, as I was sewing in my chamber, Lord Hamlet, with his doublet all unbraced, No hat upon his head, his stockings fould, Ungarterd, and down-gyved to his ancle: Pale as his shirt, his knees knocking each other, And with a look so piteous in purport, As if he had been loosed out of hell To speak of horrors, he comes before me (Shakespeare, 87). khemphill said this on March 29, 2012 at 10:59 PM | Reply. Polonius mistakenly believes that Ophelias rejection has pushed Hamlet into a state of madness. [He hands Reynaldo money and papers.] ~ by Ms. Cox on March 24, 2012. Act 2, Scene 1 Analysis Polonius' plan to spy on his own son reveals his devious and suspecting nature. The previous knowledge that Claudius and Gertrude have on Rosencrantz and Guildensterns personality makes me wonder if Claudius sent for the friends to fake sympathy towards Hamlet, or if he truly thought that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern would be able to deceive Hamlet to discover the truth. 78) But then, at the beginning of Act 2, we see a change in Polonius character. AsRosencrantz and Guildensternleave, the king and queen turn their attention toPolonius, who informs them of Voltemand and Cornelius (ambassadors of Denmark) return from Norway. The reason for Hamlets delay that I find the most possible is his uncertainty of the authenticity of the ghost. 136) This can be interpreted in two ways. There is not much evidence to show that he has a good purpose to do so; Laertes is not a key player in the developments in Denmark. Not only does Polonius do the wrong thing by spy on his son, but Polonius does this by spreading dishonouring rumours about Laertes. Ophelia reacts quite differently to both Laertes and Polonius, though in reality she has a similar feeling towards both of their suggestions. The changes in the play will mirror the tale of King Hamlets murder as narrated by the ghost. Hamlet then delivers a monologue in which he states the reasons that the royal couple believe are responsible for his lunacy. 2) What do you make of Ophelias reaction to her father, versus Laertes? Polonius could possibly want answers as to what Laertes is doing in France. Stephanie McGill (@StephanieMcGil4) said this on March 29, 2012 at 9:07 PM | Reply. Ms. Cox said this on March 30, 2012 at 6:56 AM | Reply. Hamlet act 2 test Flashcards | Quizlet Even Reynaldo, who is willing to travel to Paris to spy on Laertes, questions Polonius on the spreading of lies. This is because I think Polonius truly believes that Ophelia should not see Hamlet anymore because he is acting crazy as a result of his love for Ophelia. Polonius is a character in William Shakespeare's tragedy, Hamlet. Polonius tells Ophelia to tender herself more dearly (i.iii.107), meaning that she does not have enough self-respect. She does not much react or attempt to defend Hamlets honour (probably why she reacted so much more after hearing it a second time from Polonius) but instead defends her ability to make the correct decisions. 34. He wants her to realize that Hamlet is not interested in being in the serious, long-term relationship she wants with him. whichjames said this on March 29, 2012 at 10:56 PM | Reply. etc., and agrees to be cautious. 4.) As they talk, a company of touring actors enters. What do you make of Ophelias reaction to her father, versus Laertes? She is quick to respond to Laertes and uses his own actions against him; however, this is not the case when she speaks to her father. Polonius tells Reynaldo to find Danes in Paris and learn where they keep, what company, at what expense, and finding by this encompassment and drift of question, that they do know my son (Act 2, Sc 1, Ln 8-11). He takes the idea to the extreme, implying that the only thing that would stop him from believing that he is the king of infinite space is his own thoughts or dreams. What is Polonius' plan to provide more proof? After all, Polonius was quite reluctant to let his son leave: He hath, my lord, wrung from me my slow leave She says she will not take Laertes advice because he is a hypocrite Do not, as some ungracious pastors do, Show me the steep and thorny way to heaven, Whilst, like a puffd and reckless libertine, Himself the primrose path of dalliance treads And recks not his own rede (1.3, 50-54). Observe his inclination in yourself (II, I, 87). Polonius says this to Claudius and Gertrude, as he about to tell them Hamlet . On the one hand, this could be his natural response to Ophelias rejection and his fathers death. Will Ophelia become a tragic figure? In Act Two Hamlet contemplates life when he says, O God, I could be bounded in a nut-shell, and count myself a king of infinite space, were it not that I have bad dreams (2.2. This however is very underhanded and sneaky. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This entry was posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:53 PM and is filed under ENG 4U1.You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site. In act 2, scene 2 of Hamlet, Polonius says, "Since brevity is the soul Instead, he is asked to launch an attack on Poland. Rattan. Polonius condones Reynaldo saying that Laertes is a gambler, or a drinker, or even that he visits prostitutes. When Polonius is speaking to her and giving her advice she answers, I shall obey, my lord (I.III. We know that Laertes is a ladies man who has been sleeping around and he tells Ophelia that he does not want her to do the same; however, he may just be jealous that she has found someone who truly loves her and he does not have anyone like this and wishes to destroy her relationship with Hamlet. what does Polonius ask Reynaldo at the beginning of scene 1. to spy on his son Laertes. I find it curious that Polonius is taking such an interest in his childrens lives to such a destructive degree. The things Polonius says have undertones of humor, due to the fact that he is an old man who is seems pretty wrong in everything he says. When he summons Reynaldo to go to Wittenberg to spy on Laertes, Polonius tells him exactly what to say, word for word, if he is going to be this exact with his wording then why he didnt just go himself is in question for me. Hamlet is finally able to break them, and they confess that the royal couple had enlisted them to observe him. Is his mindset at the beginning of Act Two consistent with what weve seen from Act One? What do you make of Hamlets famous line I could be bounded in a nut-shell? We see in the play that Laertes is returning to Paris to continue his studies. Also Laertes was quite eager to get back to France since he basically just got home and then asked Claudius if he could return to France. Polonius is extremely specific in his instructions to Reynaldo, even going so far as to give him exact sentences to say and he does this several times. Extending on this theory, the narrow-minded view of a successful male human life is hinged on having three requirements: money, power, and women. By the end of the scene, Ophelia verbalizes her respect and loyalty to Polonius, I shall obey, my lord (1.3.136) while, in obvious contrast, she expresses her unwillingness to follow Laertes advice: I shall the effect/of this good lesson keep (1.3.45-46). The proceeding exert shows how Polonius believes his plan will work, See you now,/Your bait of falsehood takes this carp of truth (2. In act two, both her father and brother take it upon themselves to advise her on the matter of her relationship with Hamlet, the gist of which being they dont believe Hamlets intentions towards her are honourable and she should put an end to her relationship with him. 1. Polonius is King Claudius's advisor and Ophelia and Laertes's father. This may also suggest that Laertes has been known to do some of these things on a regular basis, so Polonius may be justified in his suspicions. If anyone is to climb the political ladder to Polonius position and face the dangers of the medieval system, he or she must be willing to sacrifice. For example, when the king tells Polonius he is an honourable person, Polonius responds: I would fain prove so (Shakespeare 2, 2, 129). With her father, however, she is meek and obedient. Why must he send Reynaldo to snoop in the first place? Even though he is deceiving his son he justifies himself with by indirections find directions out (2.1.66). Polonious also believes that Hamlet is lovesick because of Ophelia. In this quote Polonius confirms that Reynaldo will find out what Laertes is currently doing in France. Laertes has the metaphorical upper hand, being that he is first to confront Ophelia on these matters, being that Laertes is much more gentle, he is level ground with his sister. This suggests that there is some information about Laertes that has not been released to us, likely some information that increases his importance in the play. Olympic medalists have achieved more success than anyone in their field, similar to Hamlets high education and abundance of possessions. Laertes gives his advice but also makes fun of her at the same time by telling her, Virtue itself scapes not calumnious strokes (1. He decides to informClaudiusabout these events and keep a closer watch on Hamlet. Polonius | Shakespeare Wiki | Fandom Hamlet was in Ophelia's room looking " wild" What is Polonius's theory for Hamlet acting this way in Ophelia's room? Why would Laertes wish to return to France so quickly? He tells her that she should be more cautious; saying that Hamlets could be playing with her emotions For Hamlet, and the trifling of his favour, hold it a fashion, and a toy in blood (Shakespeare 45). Polonius scheme involving Ophelia shows that he is willing to use his family to further his selfish interests in the court. Hamlets monologues focus on the theme of death. Polonius still thinks that his madness was caused by unrequited love for Ophelia. Polonius plan to spy on his son, Laertes in my opinion is deceiving and shows the level of trust that he has in his son. lukeclimen said this on March 29, 2012 at 10:57 PM | Reply. rachel8857 said this on March 29, 2012 at 2:18 PM | Reply. I do beseech you, give him leave to go (Shakespeare 1, 2, 58-61). Is his mindset at the beginning of Act Two consistent with what weve seen from Act One? Claudius is portrayed as confident because he is able to make quick decisions and ask for help when necessary. His son has been trusted to go back to France, so it is understandable that Polonius may still want to keep an eye on him or know what he is getting up to. She also admits she does not know how to act, I do not know what I should think (I,III,104). For example, Polonius wants Reynaldo to imply Laertes loves things like gaming, drinking, quarrelling and drabbing in order to see if his friends will agree and confirm that Laertes all of those things while at school. Ophelia is a more independent character and hears what her father is saying but chooses what to act on. The Roles of Polonius in The Tragedy of Hamlet Essay | Bartleby It is curious in that Laertes gave more warning and advice for Ophelia while Polonius gave her commands. In this quotation Ophelia is telling Polonius that she was frightened of Hamlet because he was not acting normal. It is in Ophelias best interests to respect and obey Polonius. English 12 Blog: HAMLET Act 2 Scene 1- 2 Questions 48-54). His underestimation of Hamlet could be the fatal flaw that leads to his death later on in the play. 136) and as you did command, I did repel his letters and denied his access to me. (2. After the royal couple leaves, Polonius engages Hamlet in a conversation that is witty and ironic. To his unmastered importunity. Clearly the influence from her father is much greater. By observing his mothers and Claudius reaction to the play, Hamlet believes he will be able to tell ifthe ghosthad told him the truth. What do you make of Polonius plan to spy on his son, Laertes? This shows that Polonius has trust issues since he cant trust his own son to behave properly while in France. Hamlet reveals at the end of scene 2 the reason that he is troubled, accusing himself to be a John-a-dreams, unpregnant of my cause, a coward who cannot avenge his father (Shakespeare 125). Ophelia insists that her brother should not be worried about her in saying, Do notshow me the steep and thorny way to heaven (1. Polonius Character Analysis in Hamlet | SparkNotes I think her reaction to Laertes advice was appropriate she said I shall the effect of this good lesson keep, As watchman to my heart (1.3, 45-46) She is telling Laertes she will remember his good advice, but says nothing of following it. 1. When her brother offers up his advice she quickly dismisses it, but when her father orders her to sever all ties with Hamlet and bring him her personal letters she does. From Ophelias response to the advice of Polonius, her elderly father and of Laertes, her brother, we can learn how Ophelia regards the two. Act 2, Scene 1 | myShakespeare Even the man who agreed to be employed to go spy for information about Laertes does not like the idea of saying that Laertes commits all of these sins. He does not even expressly ask for him to report back, and he most certainly would have clarified had he wanted actions taken upon the doings of his son. Polonius has the right to be worried about his son going off to school as any father would, but he is crossing a line by sending Reynaldo to go spy on Laertes. As if he had been loosd out of hell. Rosencrantz and Guildensterns intention to spy on him makes Hamlet doubt those around him. What is Claudius in Act 2 Scene 2? - TeachersCollegesj She decides that he should not be telling her what to do and not show [her] the steep and thorny way to heaven (1.3.48), while he does not even follow his own advice. And although he seems very supportive of Laertes going back to France, at one point in the play he sends a servant to go to France and spy on him to make sure that he's following his advice. This shows more respect to her father, because he is a high figure and probably knows more than Laertes would. He goes on to say Ophelia is too gullible; do you believe his tenders, as you call them? (Shakespeare 49). Many people respond to advice differently, depending on who is giving the advice. Ophelias reaction to her father, in comparison to her reaction to her brother, is much different. I have one question: who would ever do this to their own son? Share Cite At the end of Act III, Scene iii, Polonius says this: "Behind the arras I'll convey myself To hear the process; I'll warrant she'll tax him home: And, as you said, and wisely was it. In response to pressure from Polonius, she chooses to obey her father. Polonius appears to be a manipulative character with his own agenda to adhere to. What do you make of Polonius plan to spy on his son, Laertes? Is his mindset at the beginning of Act Two consistent with what weve seen from Act One? Just use your text and your own insight. We know she does not respect his opinion because she goes on to say that he does not follow his own advice. When Polonius talks to Ophelia about Hamlet, she insists him that Hamlet loves her, and she loves him. Polonius arrives with the ambassador Voltemand in tow, both bearing good news. She adds that Hamlet had looked pale and had been trembling. Laertes says: Then weigh what loss your honour may sustain, In response to her father however, Ophelia asks for his advice on her relationship with Hamlet and is obedient upon his request to stay away from him. When the advice is spoken by Polonius it is more sincere. Both Ophelia and Laertes act respectfully towards Polonius, yet Ophelia is not so quick to assume his advice is for the best. Polonius however just brushes it off and says that it is alright. Copy of BRIDGET BAKER - Act 3 of Hamlet - Course Hero An untrue word regarding Polonius family is still being spoken which, in itself is not fit for his reputation which he holds so dearly. Here Laertes is telling Ophelia to care of her virginity, because Hamlet isnt the right guy. While its objective may not be directly linked to killing Hamlet, it may be using him as a tool in its plot. Him being her older brother though she tells him shell consider what hes saying. His high-ranking role in the Danish courts surely provides much income and respect for his family. 90-91). There is a difference with her response to her father than to her brother Laertes. Laertes is not a little kid in need of constant supervision, and there is a big difference between Polonius worrying about his son, and Polonius invading Laertes privacy. However, Polonius is unable to decipher the true meaning of Hamlets responses and simply labels him as mad. Using the cover of the book he is reading as a reference, Hamlet debunks the belief that old men are generally wise, clearly hinting at Polonius. SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS ACT II - Hamlet.pdf - Course Hero This episode highlights an important theme in the play: the discord between reality and appearance. Ophelia informs Polonius that she did repel [Hamlets] letters, and denied his access to [her] (1.3.110-111), as he had told her to do. Bound by torment, Hamlet seems to believe that if he were bound by the limitations of poverty with a free and un-tormented mind, he could find happiness. Polonius also treats Ophelia like she is a small child who doesnt know anything, but Ophelia tries to show that she knows what she is doing. Summary: Claudius and Gertrude are worried about Hamlet, who's been acting crazy in court, so they dispatch Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to spy on him. The passion that the lead player is able to summon in his speech makes Hamlet contemplate his lack of passion to avenge his fathers death. However, I fail to see how risking his sons reputation gets him laid, or makes him money, so hes most likely after power, and he believes that he has something to gain by spying on his son. Claudius is requested to let Fortinbras army pass through Denmark on their way to Poland. Hamlet then reveals to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern that his melancholy and madness are only an act. The fact that he is sending someone to spy on his son is not enough, he is telling the spy he has employed exactly how to find out information. It seems Ophelia doesnt believe her love with Hamlet is strong because she helps her father in exploiting Hamlets madness to the King and Queen. 2.) Ophelia acts as the perfect child saying yes and going with her fathers wishes, for now. 3. By Nicholas Casey. Claudius hints that he knows that Hamlet is upset about more than his fathers death. Ophelia replies by telling him she will obey him. He makes it seem like Hamlet being troubled is a great concern to him, in order to keep popularity from the people. Laertes, however, dispenses his advice in a neutral and even complimentary tone. The things Polonius says have undertones of humor, due to the fact that he is an old man . Polonius says Take you, as twere, some distant knowledge of him,/ As thus I know his father, and his friends,/ And, in part, him; do you mark this, Reynaldo? (II.i.13-15). Ophelia has just finished listening to her brother, who seem legitimately worried about her, tell her the exact same thing that her father says, yet she initially brushed aside the advice from Laertes. She informs Polonius that, following his advice, she had stopped communicating with Hamlet and spurned his advances. I think this gives Polonius a right to be concerned about Hamlets actions and his daughters wellbeing. What does he decide to do? Answered by judy t #197809 7 years ago 5/9/2016 6:19 AM. evanvassallo said this on March 29, 2012 at 10:56 PM | Reply. Polonius persuasions are on a similar page to what Laertes counselled to her, but on a different level. Hamlet is excited to see Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, but is suspicious about their visit. 2) What does this say about Polonius? Guildenstern agrees to spy on Hamlet and speaks for Rosencrantz, he states, But we both obey, and here give up ourselves, in the full bent (2.2. Polonius is the father to Laertes and Ophelia, and the counselor to Claudius. Narrated by Anthony Rey Perez. What do you make of Polonius plan to spy on his son, Laertes? michaelmarona said this on March 29, 2012 at 11:22 PM | Reply. Hamlet's anger resulting . One of Polonius's most notable scenes is in the beginning, when Laertes is about to depart to France. 3) What is your interpretation of Claudius plan to employ Rosencrantz and Guildenstern as spies? Polonius thinks that this madness is evidence of Hamlet's . She may continue to think about his message but she is not going to have her opinion on the man she claims to love changed this quickly. You speak like a green girl (1.3.100). 4 April 2017. 29-30). . What do you make of Ophelias reaction to her father, versus Laertes? (LogOut/ He is trying to protect his name but is going about it the wrong way. For most of the play, Polonius is weary that the cause of Hamlet's insanity is the romance between him and his daughter, Ophelia. Hamlet-Act 2 - Litchapter.com In Act One he wishes to kill himself, but is prevented by his religion: That the Everlasting had not fixd/His canon gainst self-slaughter! (1.2.131-32). Georgios Plionis was a legendary Greek pilot who flew 167 successful missions in World War II and Korea. Polonius Character Analysis - eNotes.com 2. BBC - Hamlet - Plot: Act 2 Polonius treats Ophelia like a little girl when he says Affection? Change). The only thing that is certain is that Claudius is a brilliant manipulator because even the audience is unsure what his true intentions are. "This above all- to thine own self be true,and it must follow, as the night the day,thou canst not then be false to any man." Polonius wants Reynaldo to spy on his Laertes while he is away in college. gbannerman said this on March 29, 2012 at 11:47 PM | Reply. When her father, Polonius gives his advice to Ophelia she reacts very differently. She states that Hamlet has importuned [Ophelia] with love in honourable fashion (1.3.110-111), and now she is questioning her love for him. Polonius is a character in William Shakespeare's tragedy, Hamlet. Hamlets mind is consumed and tormented by the promise of revenge on Cladius that he makes to his fathers ghost. Polonius plays the wise old man, the fool, the substitute for the king, and the scapegoat (Oakes). Finding no flaws in the ghosts story, he is still hesitant, but does conspire to finally put an end to his Uncle. If a member of the court were to show weakness, be dishonoured or in some other way demonstrate unfitness or instability in their position, they would find themselves ejected, usurped or murdered very quickly. God! When Ophelia gives her father the love letters Hamlet sent her she is showing her weakness. Even though we see Polonius as a deceitful and dishounorable man, she listens to him. She then answers by simply saying, I shall obey, my lord. (1.3. What do you make of Polonius plan to spy on his son, Laertes? aidasabina said this on March 29, 2012 at 7:47 PM | Reply. PDF Hamlet: Act Two English IV, Level 1 Act Two, Scene One
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