In Act 2, after Hamlet frightens Ophelia in her room, the audience sees her seeking some more advice from her father, which shows that she trusts him. My dear lord, your leave and favour to return to France, from whence though willingly I came to Denmark, to show my duty in your coronation (I, ii, 27). A legend of the Hellenic Air Force, the brave lieutenant general escaped death three times. Is his mindset at the beginning of Act Two consistent with what weve seen from Act One? 2.) 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. Madness means to be disturbed and consumed by a thought to the point of frantic behaviour. Olympic medalists have achieved more success than anyone in their field, similar to Hamlets high education and abundance of possessions. Polonius has a strong desire for information on his children as has been shown when he talks to Ophelia about Hamlet. Hamlet then delivers a monologue in which he states the reasons that the royal couple believe are responsible for his lunacy. tiahnaw said this on March 29, 2012 at 7:51 PM | Reply. lukeclimen said this on March 29, 2012 at 10:57 PM | Reply. So far, Ive found Polonius to be a very interesting character. For most of the play, Polonius is weary that the cause of Hamlet's insanity is the romance between him and his daughter, Ophelia. The reason for Hamlets delay that I find the most possible is his uncertainty of the authenticity of the ghost. 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. I believe Polonius spying on Laertes is understandable to a point. The first is that she is planning to and agrees with what he has to say. Polonius is very much a character who does not trust anyone. Ophelia agrees to listen to her fathers advice but whether she will actually obey or not is still questionable. What is your interpretation of Claudius plan to employ Rosencrantz and Guildenstern as spies? 62-63). 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. PDF Hamlet: Act Two English IV, Level 1 Act Two, Scene One Polonius is going to spy and then report back to Claudius. The second, and more likely reasoning behind this line is that has gotten fed up with all these suggestions and is simply agreeing to get the conversation to stop. Hamlets monologues focus on the theme of death. 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. He continuously gives Reynaldo the exact words to say, literally putting words in his mouth. He was not dressed as he usually is, his jacket was undone, he was not wearing a hat and his stockings were down to his ankles. (II.i.) 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. ET. Polonius plan to spy on his own son reveals his devious and suspecting nature. By observing his mothers and Claudius reaction to the play, Hamlet believes he will be able to tell ifthe ghosthad told him the truth. He attempts to drive his opinion home by infecting her mind with false direction of her emotions, telling her that what she if feeling are shallow emotions that dont last long, they dont build lasting relationships. He seems to be concerned with every other persons business, and he has proven to be very sneaky and manipulative. taniaisawesome said this on March 29, 2012 at 11:38 PM | Reply. Unrequited love One sided love ( Ophelia rejects Hamlet) Who said this quote? He also swears to avenge his fathers death, but hesitates to do so. gbannerman said this on March 29, 2012 at 11:47 PM | Reply. I believe Polonius is justified in his manipulation of Ophelia because Ophelia is telling him how Hamlet is acting crazy, and not himself. 3.) Hamlet Quotes: Plotting, spying, and stratagems | SparkNotes why is it ironic that Polonius is asking Reynaldo to spy on his son. She tells Polonius thatHamlethad encountered her in the sewing room with his jacket unbuttoned and pants unfastened, looking loosed out of hell. He had held her by the wrist and stared at her face only to release her later with a deep sigh. etc., and agrees to be cautious. 1. I believe that Polonius simply wants insight into his son and his habits for future use. Let him ply his music (2.1.73) translated into modern English is literally let him do as he pleases. After he has offended her integrity, he then tells her that it is Hamlets fault. tender yourself more dearly,or (not to crack the wind of the poor phrase,running it thus) you'll tender me a fool." She questions his judgement but plays the role of the dutiful daughter and sister, Tis in my memory lockd. 3. If Polonius really wanted to know what his son was doing, the respectful, honest thing to do would be to ask his son himself. Claudius makes swift decisions, just as Oedipus Rex does. 78) But then, at the beginning of Act 2, we see a change in Polonius character. I believe that the purpose of this spying is because Polonius has trust issues and he wants to know what Laertes is really up to in France. 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 still thinks that his madness was caused by unrequited love for Ophelia. 1. In the play, Polonius, who is a vital asset to the management of Denmark, is killed by Hamlet by accident while hiding behind an arras. She knows that her father is relentless and is aware of this persuasiveness. Is his mindset at the beginning of Act Two consistent with what weve seen from Act One? With her father, however, she is meek and obedient. Why must he send Reynaldo to snoop in the first place? The motif of spying is utilized by William Shakespeare to display the uncertainty amongst characters and within the kingdom. Many people respond to advice differently, depending on who is giving the advice. excerpt from Act III, Scene III of Shakespeare's Hamlet Polonius 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). Instead, Polonius goes behind his sons back and tries to invade Laertes privacy by indirectly asking other people about what Laertes is doing. Do you think Polonius is justified in his manipulation of Ophelia? In Act 1, Scene 3, Ophelia is having a conversation with Laertes about Hamlet. There is a difference with her response to her father than to her brother Laertes. This method of extracting the truth is deceitful. In this quote Polonius confirms that Reynaldo will find out what Laertes is currently doing in France. Lila Haj said this on March 29, 2012 at 11:28 PM | Reply. 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. Through Ophelias actions and reactions to both their points of view, it is evident that Polonius holds power over Ophelia, and, in Ophelias eyes, Laertes opinion is irrelevant and unimportant. In response to Laertess advice, Ophelia replies that she shall the effect of this good lesson keep, but reminds her brother that hes a hypocrite for saying this when he swans around bedding loose women. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are referred to as one person in the play, and are both honest and loyal. 1.) 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). Ostensibly, Polonius sends Reynaldo to France to deliver money and letters to his son, Laertes.. Hamlet Act two scene one Polonius shows his true devious nature in this scene as he sends his servant Reynaldo to spy on Laertes in Paris. This scene features important speeches and interactions. After all, Polonius was quite reluctant to let his son leave: He hath, my lord, wrung from me my slow leave While Hamlet may not have thought as thoroughly into the scenario, it is plausible that this was, in fact, the prime objective of the devil disguised as Hamlet Sr. in the very beginning of the play. - Hamlet is frustrated that he cant be with Ophelia, depressed due to rejection. "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." 1. lukeclimen said this on April 15, 2012 at 10:17 PM | Reply. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Hamlet Act 2 - Litchapter.com English 2331.03. A, Umuc Bmgt 364 Entire Course-Latest November 2015 (All Week Discussions and All Assignmentts), PHL 458 Complete Class Week 1 - 5 All Assignments, Presentations, DQs A+ Graded Course Material. She is quite intrigued and accepts this new point of view with an open mind. His opinion goes head-to-head with Laertes, but Ophelia listens to his words more carefully then she did Laertes. Eventually, nearing the end of his soliloquy, he talks himself into the vengeful state similar to act 1. His desire for information will undoubtedly lead him to trouble. And these few precepts in thy memory. In this sense, he sends Reynaldo to spy on Laertes, whose life in Paris may be rowdy and licentious. What do you make of Ophelias reaction to her father, versus Laertes? OPHELIA. Polonius mistakenly believes that Ophelias rejection has pushed Hamlet into a state of madness. Observe his inclination in yourself (II, I, 87). Both men attempt to tell Ophelia that all is not what it seems, a key theme throughout the play. 4.) [He hands Reynaldo money and papers.] Polonius desires domination over his son Laertes. Polonius Quotes from Hamlet - AllGreatQuotes Voltemand tells Claudius that the King of Norway has put a stop to Prince Fortinbras' threats, and Fortinbras . 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. How does he plan to trap his son? When speaking with Laertes, Ophelia seemed too passionate to give up on her love for Hamlet so quickly. Polonius is the father to Laertes and Ophelia, and the counselor to Claudius. Laertes thinks very highly of his father and places a blind trust in him. If Laertes is so far away in France, why would his actions affect Polonius back in Denmark? She tells her father I shall obey, my lord (1.3, 135) I feel she agrees with her father only because it was what was expected of a daughter back then. Though Hamlet's. Her reaction to him is more disrespectful then how she responds to her father. Jessica Wallace said this on March 29, 2012 at 4:26 PM | Reply. Look thou Character. Additionally, he and Claudius will hide behind an arras and eavesdrop on Ophelia's conversation with Hamlet. In order to appear compassionate, he employs Rosencrantz and Guildenstern as spies to discover what troubles Hamlet. Polonius shows his intrusive demeanor in the proceeding extract, So by my former lecture and advice/Shall you my son (2. jonah21 said this on March 29, 2012 at 9:44 PM | Reply, March 29, 2012 Natalie Istanboulian. The first time that he is told about the ghost, Hamlet is warned by Horatio that it might not be his father, but a devil, attempting to lure him to his death: What if it tempt you toward the flood, my lord/ Or to the dreadful summit of the cliff And there assume some other horrible form (Shakespeare 1.4.69-72). Polonius doesnt trust that Laertes will listen and follow his wise advice; instead, he believes that only faults come along with too much freedom, Thats not my meaning: but breathe his faults so quaintly that they may seem the taints of liberty, (2.1. Hamlet Act II, Scenes 1-2 Summary and Analysis - eNotes.com 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. Polonius holds a powerful position in the royal court of Denmark, and it brings with it a certain degree of danger. However, it is not the same with Laertes. He requests the lead player to perform a speech from VirgilsAeneidin which Aeneas tells Queen Dido the story of Phyrrus, whose father, Achilles, was killed in Rome. Polonius is trying to find out what he desires by any means necessary. The responses she gives her brother are key, as we realize she doesnt say I obey, as she does to her father. 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. 4.) From Ophelias response to the advice of Polonius, her elderly father and of Laertes, her brother, we can learn how Ophelia regards the two. 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. In reality the only difference between her thoughts on the suggestions from the two different men is that she did not want to argue with her father, but her opinion on both is the same, that they are wrong. He decides to informClaudiusabout these events and keep a closer watch on Hamlet. 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. 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). Polonius also justifies his manipulation of Ophelia when he says there, my blessing with thee. Some of the traits he reveals are his dishonesty and intrusiveness. Ophelia replies by telling him that she will keep his lesson in mind, but it doesnt mean she will be acting upon it. Hamlet: Act 2, Scene 1 Translation - Shmoop 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. He gives his son his blessing along with a series of advice. On the one hand, this could be his natural response to Ophelias rejection and his fathers death. Add Yours. He is trying to protect his name but is going about it the wrong way. Pale as his shirt, his knees knocking each other, And with a look so piteous in purport. He sends Reynaldo to France to assess Laertesreputationamong the Danes and the Parisians. When the advice is spoken by Polonius it is more sincere. 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. Even though he is deceiving his son he justifies himself with by indirections find directions out (2.1.66). 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. He tells Reynold to spread rumors about Laertes and see how his acquaintances react to them. He makes it seem like Hamlet being troubled is a great concern to him, in order to keep popularity from the people. Polonius gives Ophelia at least fifteen pieces of advice to help her in life which shows that he is serious about looking out for his daughter. Ophelia acts as the perfect child saying yes and going with her fathers wishes, for now. Scene 1 Polonius sets a spy on Laertes Polonius sends Reynaldo to France to keep an eye on his son's behaviour. In that sense, Polonius plan shows a wisdom brought by experience and coldness almost requisite of someone in his position. Please log in using one of these methods to post your comment: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. To his unmastered importunity. Based on Hamlets speeches, I think that Hamlets mindset is consistent at the beginning of Act Two with his behaviour in Act One. My main point of interest is what he hopes to gain by spying on Laertes using such an unorthodox method, since tarnishing another mans honour was a terrible crime during the period this play occurs in. Pooh! July 9, 2023, 6:00 a.m. Ophelia loses confidence when her father tells her she is stupid and easily falls into Hamlets traps, and also tells her she is too young to understand what affection is. Her father makes her feel naive and juvenile, invalidating her feelings. He, like most fathers, does not want his daughter, his innocent little girl, to be running off with a man. At the very beginning of Act 2, we learn that Polonius is asking Reynaldo to spy upon Laertes, but we do not particularly know why. Even though we see Polonius as a deceitful and dishounorable man, she listens to him. Hamlet | Act 2, Scene 1 - myShakespeare BBC - Hamlet - Plot: Act 2 Ophelia comes to Polonius and tells him about how Hamlet has gone mad. Polonius dies by spying (on Hamlet) what does Polonius' spying on Laertes show about their relationship. This shows more respect to her father, because he is a high figure and probably knows more than Laertes would. 34. He continually debates the meaning of life and happiness. 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. After Reynaldo leaves, Ophelia enters, shaken by a recent interaction she had with Hamlet. Even Reynaldo, who is willing to travel to Paris to spy on Laertes, questions Polonius on the spreading of lies. His fatherly advice is well-intentioned but. I get this because Polonius tells Reynaldo to look for any Danes in France and suggest that Laertes has bad habits. She informs Polonius that, following his advice, she had stopped communicating with Hamlet and spurned his advances. He's afraid that Hamlet is "madly" in love with her. Is his mindset at the beginning of Act Two consistent with what weve seen from Act One? What reward does the Queen suggest that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern may receive? Polonius/Claudius taking to people spying on their "sons". Ophelias response to her brother shows that she is feisty and is standing up for herself. Meet your new favorite all-in-one writing tool! In Ophelias case, Polonius, her father, and Laertes, her brother, both give her reasons to stop seeing Hamlet she responds differently to each person. Laertes tells her to be careful around Hamlet and warns her that he may be taking advantage of her vulnerability and does not truly love her. 5.) In act 2, scene 1 Ophelia enters Polonius house acting all frightened and distraught. The player delivers the speech and moves himself to tears over Hecubas horror at seeing her husband dismembered. Plionis also refused to cooperate with the dictators of the April 21, 1967 military junta. 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. He wants to know all about what Laertes is up to, and with whom. Eavesdropping and spying can be seen in many instances throughout the drama, but examining two particular cases shows how the trickery progresses the plot and promotes revenge. What do you make of Hamlets famous line I could be bounded in a nut-shell? Polonius uses Ophelia, for his own fulfilment, giving her some advice; he attempts to explain to her that she does not understand her feelings; You do not understand yourself so clearly (Shakespeare 49). Ophelia appears to be well respected; however, her lies may bring about her own downfall. This indicates that it is the mental state of a person that determines his/her freedom. 8-10). / How weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable / Seem to me all the use of this world! (1.2. What do you make of Ophelias reaction to her father, versus Laertes? AsRosencrantz and Guildensternleave, the king and queen turn their attention toPolonius, who informs them of Voltemand and Cornelius (ambassadors of Denmark) return from Norway. 2) What does this say about Polonius? By sending Reynaldo with packages for Laertes, Polonius is covering up the fact that he is spying on his own son, and by covering it up he is deceiving his son. On the one hand, this could be his natural response to Ophelia's rejection and his father's death. What do you make of Polonius plan to spy on his son, Laertes? Overall, I am excited to see what will happen with Polonius as the book goes on! Ophelia, the daughter of Polonius and the sister of Laertes comes to the reader as a nice well-mannered young lady. This encounter mentally disturbs him and his promise to get revenge on Claudius consumes him. The first espionage example is Hamlet being spied on by Polonius as Polonius was attempting to discover the source for Hamlet's madness. I found this very shocking because in a way, Polonius is going against his own words to Laertes about staying true to oneself. 5.) His underestimation of Hamlet could be the fatal flaw that leads to his death later on in the play. 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. In Act One, Scene Three of Hamlet both Laertes and Polonius try to give advice to Ophelia about her boyfriend, Hamlet. Polonius, 2.1. Seizing the opportunity, Hamlet stabs him through the curtain. In this famous line, Hamlet contradicts his earlier words to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern: there is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so (2.2.249-50). Laertes is studying in France, which is miles away from Polonius. She understands what he wants from her but does not accept it. Hamlet is saying that he could live without the riches, glory and respect that come with being the prince and still find happiness if it wasnt for the torment of his mind. Furthermore, Polonius also tells Reynaldo to slander his son with accusations of gambling, drinking, quarrelling, etc (Shakespeare 2, 1, 19-25). Polonius having a forceful attitude towards this subject eventually makes Ophelia believe in what her father is telling her. Its no wonder that Hamlet sees Denmark as a prison, as his mind prevents him from being free there (as anywhere), and he suffers emotionally due to both his living mother and his dead father. In one scene, he notices that Hamlet is coming, so he hides behind a curtain while he and Gertrude are talking. Ophelia choosing to obey her father shows that she has more respect for him than she does for Laertes. Polonius is willing to trash the reputation of his own son just to find out information. 73) meaning that he wants Reynaldo to simply observe his sons behaviour. Wallace Field | Certified Educator Share Cite Polonius is attempting to help King Claudius, Hamlet's uncle and step-father, ascertain the cause of Hamlet's strange behavior. She then answers by simply saying, I shall obey, my lord. (1.3. It is shown that Polonius cares for Ophelias well-being and heart when tells her to set her entreatments at a higher rate than a command to parley (i.iii.122-123), meaning that she must play hard to get to be sure that he is interested. Shakespeare Wiki is a FANDOM Books Community. I believe he might be afraid Laertes behaviour might stain the family honour, which we know is something Polonius is very concerned about. Claudius appears to have good intentions by asking Hamlets friends to uncover the truth, however; if Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have known Hamlet for so long, Claudius and Gertrude would have also known them as well. 90-91). 2) What do you make of Ophelias reaction to her father, versus Laertes? Claudius could have asked Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to investigate because he was suspicious that Hamlet knew more than he was letting on. Credit: Facebook/Georgios Plionis. Both Ophelia and Laertes act respectfully towards Polonius, yet Ophelia is not so quick to assume his advice is for the best. What do you make of Ophelias reaction to her father, versus Laertes? As a result of ordering Reynaldo to spy on his son, the audience is indirectly told many things about Polonius character. The only difference in her reactions is the way she responds more respectfully towards her father. Upon his will I seald my hard consent; 47-48). He also remains suicidal, saying flippantly to Polonius that You cannot, sir, take from me anything that I will more willingly part withal, except my life (2.2.214-15). Ophelia is a more independent character and hears what her father is saying but chooses what to act on. 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. Hamlet welcomes the drama troupe. Him being her older brother though she tells him shell consider what hes saying. These two parts of her reaction show that she does not care what her brother has to say as he is not a good role model in this area. Polonius demonstrates that he possesses these situational virtues by his complete willingness to slander and endanger his own son, rather than risk a slight on his honour: and there put on him What forgeries you please; marry, none so rank As may dishonor him; (2.1.19-21). After first listening to Laertes she defends her integrity to make her own decisions while her brother is away, but when she if confronted with much the same basis from her father, reacts and defends Hamlet, and proclaims their love to be true. Extending SWC beyond the walls of the classroom. He is overly involved in his childrens business and attempts to instill his own opinions with them. Ophelia replies by telling him she will obey him. The combination of making Ophelia feel inferior and her father being such an important position of influence over her, she succumbs to his manipulation and tells Polonius she shall stay away from Hamlet as he wishes. ~ by Ms. Cox on March 24, 2012. Its clear Ophelia doesnt respect what Laertes has to say to her about Hamlet. This demonstrates that Ophelia sees Polonius as a venerable figure whose malignities command even more respect. 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 Not only does Polonius do the wrong thing by spy on his son, but Polonius does this by spreading dishonouring rumours about Laertes. 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. Polonius hints at his purpose when he says that those of wisdom and of reach/ By indirections find directions out (Shakespeare 2, 1, 64-66). All of the mental strain on Hamlet could be a reason why Hamlet decides to pretend to be mad: he would likely find it reassuring to feel that he is only pretending. The Turkish president has been a key player in the signing of the Black Sea grain deal that has allowed the export of . What do you make of Polonius plan to spy on his son, Laertes? 136) and as you did command, I did repel his letters and denied his access to me. (2.