What does Polonius mean in Hamlet?
Polonius. Polonius, fictional character, councillor to King Claudius and the father of Ophelia and Laertes in William Shakespeare ’s tragedy Hamlet (written c. 1599–1601). He is especially known for his maxim-filled speech (“Neither a borrower nor a lender be”). His meddling garrulousness eventually costs him his life.
How should an actor portray the character of Polonius?
An actor portraying Polonius should address the question of whether he is a devoted father or a ruthless politician. Does he sacrifice Ophelia to his ambitions and/or his fear of being discarded by the King?
Who is Polonius in Oedipus?
Last Updated on September 11, 2018, by eNotes Editorial. Word Count: 479 Polonius is King Claudius’s advisor and Ophelia and Laertes’s father. He is concerned with appearances, especially the reputations of his children.
Who won a Tony for playing Polonius in Hamlet?
Hume Cronyn won a Tony Award for playing Polonius opposite Richard Burton 's Hamlet in John Gielgud 's 1964 Broadway production. No other actor has ever won an award for playing Polonius in any professional American stage version of Hamlet, nor for playing him in a film version of the play.
How was Polonius portrayed in Hamlet?
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 busy-body, [who] is accordingly officious, garrulous, and impertinent".
What type of father is Polonius?
Polonius is a proud and concerned father. In his first line he tells us he hesitates to let his son Laertes go abroad, and he draws out his last meeting with Laertes because he's reluctant to see him go. In the same scene, Polonius advises his daughter Ophelia to avoid Hamlet because he's worried about her.
How is Polonius presented?
Shakespeare presents him as a man whose desire to serve the King is rooted as much in vanity and a sense of his own importance as in duty. The play shows parents controlling their children's lives. Like the Ghost, Polonius is an authoritarian father who demands unconditional obedience.
Was Polonius a good man?
Polonius is not a good father due to his inability to make rational decisions. Polonius seems to value his own well being more than his children's, as he uses…show more content… Polonius orders Ophelia to distract Hamlet even though he knows the emotional distress it will cause her.
In what ways is Polonius a good father?
I agree with the statement that Polonius, adviser in the court of King Claudius of Denmark, is a good father who desires what is best for his children. Although he may be a fussy and overcautious old man, Polonius constantly gives good advice and his best wishes to both his children, Laertes and Ophelia.
How is Polonius manipulative?
This essay analyses Hamlet to prove that Lord Polonius is a manipulative character based on the following actions: using Reynaldo to obtain information from Laertes, interrupting an actor to declare that a particular speech is extremely long, and instructing Ophelia to spy on Prince Hamlet despite the risk involved.
What type of character was Polonius?
Described as: Self-assured, cynical, self-centred, flatterer, long-winded, sly, devious, false, shrewd, immoral, sermonise, meddling, political, arrogant, despicable, vain, hypocritical, manipulative, verbose, insincere, self-absorbed.
Is Polonius arrogant?
Pompous and arrogant, Polonius is also the overbearing father of Ophelia and Laertes. As Laertes sets off for France to continue his studies, Polonius gives him paradoxical advice, including the famous quotation, "to thine own self be true”—an ironic line from a man who cannot keep his advice consistent.
Is Polonius selfish?
As seen in the play, Hamlet, it is clear that Polonius is very self-centered, stubborn, all resulting in him getting killed. Polonius is extremely immoral as seen through most of his actions in the kingdom. He will do anything for the king (good or bad), even though it may harm others (including his own children).
What is Polonius most famous line?
(II. ii.) Polonius has a tendency to make pompous, aphoristic pronouncements, and his claim that “brevity is the soul of wit” ranks among his most famous.
What are Polonius motives?
Control; Polonius desire for control is what ultimately sets his downfall. Manipulative; Polonius manipulates his daughter Ophelia into spying on her love interest, Hamlet. Selfish; Polonius shows a lack of compassion toward other characters throughout the play.
Is Polonius a victim?
However, critical discourse on Shakespeare's Hamlet often depict Polonius as a victim and as an innocent fool who could not embody the complexities of a conspirator, ignoring Shakespeare's genius in depicting the two opposing worlds of reality and appearance.
What type of relationship does Polonius have with his son?
Throughout Hamlet, Polonius asserts his dominance over his son, leading to a one-way relationship.
Who is Polonius based on?
William Cecil, Lord Burghley1) That the character of Polonius in Shakespeare's Hamlet so strongly mirrors William Cecil, Lord Burghley, that no reasonable person would deny that the author of the Shakespeare plays to a great extent consciously modeled Polonius after Burghley, with no other interpretation coming nearly as close to having such ...
Is Polonius Ophelia's father?
Ophelia Daughter of Polonius, sister of Laertes, Ophelia is beloved of Hamlet. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Classmates of Hamlet's in Wittenberg. Claudius summons them to Elsinore to spy on Prince Hamlet. Fortinbras King of Norway, bound to avenge his father's death by the Danes' hands.
How is Polonius overprotective?
Primarily, Polonius is overprotective and demands to constantly be involved in the lives of his children. He does not have faith in their decision making and insists that his opinion be obeyed at all times to prevent them from …show more content…
What is the difference between Hamlet and Polonius?
This difference between Polonius and Hamlet results in a powerful example of irony in Act Three, when Hamlet mistakenly kills Polonius, thinking it’s Claudius. Whereas Polonius’s lack of self-awareness is ultimately harmless, Hamlet’s lack of self-certainty drives him to his first act of violence , which completely and tragically misfires.
What does Polonius's actions suggest about Hamlet?
Polonius’s actions suggest that in Hamlet, even relationships that seem loving are ambiguous, a fact which contributes to the play’s atmosphere of doubt and uncertainty. Polonius also provides Hamlet with its main source of comic relief. As a comic character, he consistently shows himself less wise than he thinks.
Why does Polonius advise Ophelia to avoid Hamlet?
In the same scene, Polonius advises his daughter Ophelia to avoid Hamlet because he’s worried about her. The secure and happy family unit of Polonius, Laertes, and Ophelia provides a stark contrast with the dysfunctional unit formed by Claudius, Gertrude, and Hamlet. The happiness of Polonius’s family is reflected in his children’s reaction ...
What is Polonius's reaction to his murder?
Laertes passionately pursues revenge, and Ophelia feels so struck with grief that she goes mad. At the same time, Polonius reveals himself to be a far from perfect father.
What is Polonius' lack of self awareness?
Polonius’s amusing lack of self-awareness serves as a comic foil to Hamlet’s existential struggle with self-knowledge. In this sense Polonius offers an alternative and far less extreme perspective on the impossibility of perfectly knowing oneself.
What is Polonius in Hamlet?
Polonius, a secondary character in Hamlet, is a good example of the difference between a Shakespeare text as ‘literature’ that can be individually read and a Shakespeare text that is meant to be performed on the stage. He can be played by an actor as an elder statesman, somewhat faded but still wise and capable, or he can be presented as silly, self-absorbed and self-serving, and a buffoon. Played for the potential humour in the text, with the emphasis on his long-windedness and sycophantic behaviour, he is hilarious. The conversations between Polonius and Hamlet can make the play almost comic. In those scenes Polonius comes across as ridiculous, whereas Shakespeare also uses those conversations to bring out the sense of humour that Hamlet reveals in his interaction with Polonius, indicating the kind of person Hamlet is, or would be if he hadn’t found himself in the situation that is the subject of the play. ( Not sure what happens in Hamlet? Read our 5 minute summary.)
What is Polonius in Shakespeare's play?
Polonius is also an example of the genius of Shakespeare’s stagecraft – in this case one of the ways in which he can cram a universe of substance into a three hour performance. Shakespeare has created a single character who fulfils several roles – roles that are usually played by several minor characters. He is, at the same time, the wise old man, the scapegoat, the fool, the politician. A major dramatic device, he is essential to the development of the play’s plot, driving it throughout most of the text. In that, he is an important dimension to the characterisation of Hamlet, and the themes Shakespeare conveys through the text.
What does Shakespeare use the Polonius conversation to bring out?
In those scenes Polonius comes across as ridiculous, whereas Shakespeare also uses those conversations to bring out the sense of humour that Hamlet reveals in his interaction with Polonius, indicating the kind of person Hamlet is, or would be if he hadn’t found himself in the situation that is the subject of the play.
How did Polonius die?
Polonius dies as he is hiding behind a curtain in Gertrude’s bedroom, spying on a private conversation between her and her son, who hears him and stabs him . We don’t feel sorry for him as it is very much just deserts for his nasty habit of spying on everyone, and also his other unpleasant activities like sucking up to the king and using his children as part of his political manipulations.
Who is the father of Ophelia in Hamlet?
However Polonius is portrayed on the stage, he is thoroughly nasty. His daughter, Ophelia, commits suicide under the extreme pressure placed on her by three powerful men – Claudius, Hamlet and Polonius, led by Polonius, who uses her as bait to prove his theory about Hamlet’s madness.
Is Polonius funny in Hamlet?
Played for the potential humour in the text, with the emphasis on his long-windedness and sycophantic behaviour, he is hilarious. The conversations between Polonius and Hamlet can make the play almost comic. In those scenes Polonius comes across as ridiculous, whereas Shakespeare also uses those conversations to bring out the sense ...
What is Polonius' character analysis?
Character Analysis. Polonius. Casting Polonius in a demeaning light is a common danger. While he is a blowhard, and he does spout aphorisms that were, even in the 16th century, clichés, his clichés constitute sound advice and his observations prove themselves prophetic.
Was Polonius a counselor to Hamlet?
He admits that he is not a man of great prestige, and yet he has risen to be counselor to the King. Presumably, he counseled King Hamlet as well.
Who is Polonius in the book?
Extended Character Analysis. Polonius is King Claudius’s advisor and Ophelia and Laertes’s father. He is concerned with appearances, especially the reputations of his children. His fatherly advice is well-intentioned but also generic and hypocritical, filled with clichéd aphorisms and self-serving recommendations.
Why is Polonius complicit in Hamlet's isolation?
He is also complicit in Hamlet’s isolation because he forces Ophelia to betray Hamlet’s affections by first rejecting him and then spying on him. Though Hamlet treats Ophelia poorly when she spies on him, Polonius continues to assume that Hamlet’s madness stems from Ophelia’s rejection, and he treats the prince’s apparent infatuation with his daughter as a source of pride. Hamlet sees through Polonius’s schemes and frequently antagonizes Polonius by insulting him or ridiculing his inferior wit. Polonius’s advice to Laertes is full of generic aphorisms, which characterizes Polonius as a self-important and long-winded courtier who is more interested in appearances than true substance. However, different interpretations lend different levels of depth and complexity to Polonius.
What is Polonius' advice to Laertes?
Polonius’s advice to Laertes is full of generic aphorisms, which characterizes Polonius as a self-important and long-winded courtier who is more interested in appearances than true substance. However, different interpretations lend different levels of depth and complexity to Polonius.
Is Polonius an opportunist?
Instead, readers must interpret Polonius through two broad lenses: he is either complicit in regicide or an ignorant opportunist. By reading Polonius as an ignorant opportunist, his loyalty to Claudius is founded on respect for the crown and a desire to advance his own family.
What does Hamlet say to Polonius?
Throughout the play, Hamlet continues to insult Polonius and make him look foolish to the audience. Hamlet tells Polonius: “You are a fishmonger” (2. 2. 190).
Who killed Polonius in Hamlet?
Immediately after, Polonius foolishly echoes her cry and is stabbed by Hamlet, thinking it is Claudius. Hamlet, realizing he has killed Polonius says: Thou wretched, rash, intruding fool, farewell. I took thee for my better. (3. 4. 38-39)
Why is Polonius foolish?
Another reason for Polonius’ foolishness is that Polonius is convinced, and tries to convince others, that the reason for Hamlet’s madness is his love for Ophelia. He tells Ophelia: READ: Animal Imagery In Hamlet. “Come, go with me.
How does Polonius demonstrate his foolishness?
Polonius continues to demonstrate his foolishness by babbling and losing his train of thought when speaking to the King and Queen. Polonius is convinced that Hamlet is mad in love for Ophelia and says:
Why did Shakespeare create Polonius as a fool?
Scholars believe that Shakespeare created Polonius as a fool because of his foolish dialogue throughout the play. Polonius granted Laertes permission to go back to school in France.
Why did Polonius send Reynaldo to Paris?
After Laertes returns to Paris, Polonius send his servant Reynaldo to Paris to spy on Laertes and question his acquaintances. Polonius says to Reynaldo: At “closes in the consequence”-ay, marry- He closes thus: “I know the gentleman.
What happened the last time Polonius appeared in Hamlet?
The last time Polonius appears in Hamlet is when he hides behind a curtain in Gertrude’s room , to hear Hamlet’s conversation with his mother. Hamlet frightens Gertrude and she cries for help. Immediately after, Polonius foolishly echoes her cry and is stabbed by Hamlet, thinking it is Claudius.
What does Polonius use Ophelia for?
Worse still, he uses Ophelia to spy on Hamlet, which puts her in a difficult and painfully duplicitous situation. As a father, Polonius does a perfunctory job, but he is not deeply caring and truly loving. If he were, he would do far more listening and advising than talking and directing.
Does Hamlet care about Ophelia?
And it's not that he doesn't care for Ophelia, but his advice to her in regards to Hamlet is insensitive and short-sighted. Worse still, he uses Ophelia to spy on Hamlet, which puts her in a difficult and painfully duplicitous situation.
Is Polonius realistic?
So, as a parent, Polonius seems pretty realistic -- he means well, cares about his kids, but gives pretty obvious advice at times.
What are Polonius' key character traits?
Polonius’ key character traits are defined by his cynical, controlling, and illusory nature. His patronizing speech to Laertes reveals it in full glory. Polonius advises Laertes to be himself, and at the same time, he sends Reynaldo to spy on him. Polonius can manipulate everyone besides Hamlet and Gertrude.
What does Polonius order Ophelia to do?
Both her father and brother try to control Ophelia’s love life. When Polonius orders Ophelia to cease all the contact with Hamlet, she obeys. Her father, in essence, does not have any concern about her happiness. She truly loves Hamlet, and she does not have a chance for happiness without him.
Why does Gertrude lie to Claudius about Hamlet's insanity?
When Gertrude learns that Claudius killed Old Hamlet, she experiences shame and guilt. She lies to Claudius about Hamlet’s insanity because she wants to help her son. At the beginning of the play, Hamlet and Gertrude experience some difficulties.
What does Hamlet discover about his father?
Prince Hamlet is a thoughtful and observant young man. After learning that Claudius murdered his father, Hamlet becomes obsessed with death and an idea of revenge.
What was the cause of Hamlet vs Laertes duel?
Hamlet vs. Laertes duel was majorly provoked by Claudius’ manipulations, who wishes his nephew dead. Laertes loses, nevertheless becoming the murderer of Hamlet.
Why is Hamlet's relationship with Ophelia so complicated?
Due to his misogyny, his relationships with his mother and his beloved Ophelia become complicated. Underneath a layer of cynicism, though, Hamlet has a very affectionate and tender soul. His depression is covering his love.
Why does Hamlet feel trapped?
The demand for revenge destroys any possibility of a happy life. Hamlet feels trapped between his promise and his religious beliefs. Many critics attributed Hamlet’s hesitation to act to the Oedipus complex and his cowardice. However, one should consider Hamlet’s Christian beliefs.
What is Polonius's name in Hamlet?
In the first quarto of Hamlet, Polonius is named " Corambis ". It has been suggested that this derives from "crambe" or "crambo", derived from a Latin phrase meaning "reheated cabbage", implying "a boring old man" who spouts trite rehashed ideas. Whether this was the original name of the character or not is debated. Various suggestions have been made to explain this. G. R. Hibbard argues that the name was originally Polonius, but was changed because Q1 derives from a version of the play to be performed in Oxford and Cambridge, and the original name was too close to that of Robert Polenius, founder of Oxford University. Since Polonius is a parody of a pompous pseudo-intellectual, the name might have been interpreted as a deliberate insult. The title page of Q1 specifically states that the play was recently performed in London, Oxford and Cambridge.
What is Polonius' role in Laertes?
Polonius adds a new dimension to the play and is a controlling and menacing character. One key to the portrayal is a producer's decision to keep or remove the brief scene with his servant, Reynaldo, which comes after his scene of genial, fatherly advice to Laertes.
What does Polonius do in Act 1 Scene 3?
In Act 1, Scene 3, Polonius gives advice to his son Laertes, who is leaving for France, in the form of a list of sententious maxims. He finishes by giving his son his blessing, and is apparently at ease with his son's departure. However, in Act 2, Scene 1, he orders his servant Reynaldo to travel to Paris and spy on Laertes and report if he is indulging in any local vice.
What happened to Polonius in the final act?
Polonius's death at the hands of Hamlet causes Claudius to fear for his own life, Ophelia to go mad, and Laertes to seek revenge, which leads to the duel in the final act.
How old was Polonius in 1980?
Stage and film portrayals. In most productions of the 20th century, up to about 1980, Polonius was played as a somewhat senile, garrulous man of about 75 or so, eliciting a few laughs from the audience by the depiction.
How does Polonius test his hypothesis?
He and the king test his hypothesis by spying on and interrogating Ophelia. In his last attempt to spy on Hamlet, Polonius hides himself behind an arras in Gertrude's room. Hamlet deals roughly with his mother, causing her to cry for help.
What are Polonius' most famous lines?
Polonius's most famous lines are found in Act 1 Scene 3 (" Neither a borrower nor a lender be"; "To thine own self be true") and Act 2 Scene 2 ("Brevity is the soul of wit"; and "Though this be madness, yet there is method in't") while others have become paraphrased aphorisms ("Clothes make the man"; "Old friends are the best friends"). Also, the line he speaks when he is killed by Hamlet in Act 3 scene 4 ("Oh, I am slain!") has been subject to parody and ridicule due to its obviousness.
