Fictional character Analysis: Polonius Essay, Research Paper
Character Analysis of Polonius
Although Polonius is non a chief character in Hamlet, he serves to reenforce the form of corruptness, and demonstrates the societal and moral decay of Denmark. His oblique ways show the audience that he is one of many characters who lack strong belief and unity. Throughout Hamlet Polonius is a dissembler who looks out for his ain involvements, and betrays those he should be loyal to. These facets of his character are revealed in his relationships with the King, Ophelia, Laertes, and Hamlet.
Polonius can be described as Janus-faced. Janus was a God from Roman mythology who had two faces, each looking in opposite waies. Similarly, Polonius is ambidextrous in his interactions with people. One illustration of this is his relationship with the King. Polonius was King Hamlet? s loyal servent, good liked and trusted by King Hamlet, Gertrude and Hamlet. But his trueness to King and Prince Hamlet is limited. Polonius proclaims his trueness to Claudius, the new King in the undermentioned address, ? I assure my good vassal, I hold my responsibility as I hold my psyche, both to God and to my gracious male monarch? ? ( II.ii.43-45 ) . If Polonius was really loyal to King Hamlet, so he would hold ne’er supported the deceitful, homicidal Claudius.
This address besides addresses the issue of Polonius? moral unity. He claims that his psyche belongs to God. Yet if he was the devout Christian that he claimed to be, he would hold been honest and loyal to his kids and King Hamlet. Another Christian value which Polonius negotiations about is honor. In Act I, Scene three, line 96, Polonius says to Ophelia, ? You do non understand yourself so clearly as it behooves my girl and your award? . This scene shows how much of a dissembler he is ; he invariably does dishonourable workss, yet he is prophesying to Ophelia to move uprightly.
Polonius makes determinations based on profiting himself, non on the well being off his household. This can be seen in his interactions with Ophelia and Laertes. In Act I Scene three, Polonius is giving advice to hi
s girl about declining Hamlet? s progresss. The linguistic communication that he uses is blunt and unkind, it is non the typical loving, fostering interaction between a parent and kid. He refers to her as a? woodcock? , a fleeceable bird. He tells her, ? I would non, in field footings, from this clip Forth have you so defame any minute leisure as to give words or speak with the Lord Hamlet. ( I.iii.131-134 ) . This last remark shows how much he merely cares about himself. He doesn? T attention how Ophelia feels about Hamlet, what matters is that her love matter with Hamlet makes Polonius look bad. Because her actions will impact his image, he forbids Ophelia to see Hamlet.
Polonius? conversations with his boy further turn out his ambidextrous, betraying nature. Polonius sends Laertes off to France with a few words of wisdom in Act I Scene three, lines 59-81. He speaks in platitudes which take off from the significance of his advice. Among other things he says, ? This above all: to thine ain ego be true, and it must follow, as the dark the twenty-four hours, 1000 canst non so be false to any man. ? It would be good advice if it were coming from a virtuous, honest adult male. But, since Polonius says it, it can? t be taken earnestly.
After his apparently dear conversation with Laertes, he finds Reynaldo and secret plans to destroy Laertes? repute. This remark exemplifies his evil secret plan, ? ? take a breath his mistakes so quaintly that they may look the contaminations of autonomy, the flash and eruption of a fiery head, a savagery in unreclaimed blood, of general assault. ? ( II.i.31-34 ) His theory is that Laertes will be so disliked that he will be forced to return to Denmark. Not merely is Polonius being selfish, he is bewraying his ain boy.
Polonius is a dishonourable adult male ; he lacks ethical motives and strong belief. He is besides crystalline and ambidextrous. As Hamlet is killing Polonius he makes some insightful remarks about Polonius, ? Thou wretched, roseola intruding sap, farewell! I took thee for thy better? allow me contorting your bosom for I shall if it be made of impenetrable material? ? ( III.iv.31-36 ) . Throughout the drama Polonius proves that his character lacks bosom and award.
