Hamlet Blog Post #2

The author is expressing the foolishness of judging by appearances while also critiquing the need for certainty in life. I think that Shakespeare makes an excellent case against reckless behavior, but hesitation is portrayed negatively as well. The whole play revolves around rash actions and unreasonable doubt.


In order to break the mold because I feel that most people will choose Hamlet or Claudius for a character analysis, I have chosen Polonius as the character which stands out to me. As for his values, he is a loyal follower of the king while also being a caring parent. From a first look these two roles seem noble, but the point of Hamlet is to punish assumptions and unfortunately Polonius' devotion is ultimately his biggest flaw. We see his loving nature manifest itself as paranoia. For example, after Laertes leaves for Europe, Polonius hires Reynaldo to not only to help Laertes but also to spy on him. This idea of intruding on Laertes' affairs, in my opinion, is an over extended expression of Polonius' love for his son. Although Shakespeare does not punish or admonish this overbearing action in the play, Polonius' loyalty become his cause of death in Act III. Hiding behind the curtain and eavesdropping on Hamlet and Gertrude may seem tactical, but I would argue that the act is another example of Polonius' reckless loyalty. For one, by eavesdropping Polonius assumes that Hamlet would be willing to harm his own mother which points to a deep seeded mistrust of people. Eavesdropping behind the curtain also is not tactful since the curtain hides Polonius' identity while rendering him useless in any effort to protect the queen. If Polonius would have simply stood in the doorway, he could have actually saved his own life while helping the queen. But tragically, Polonius' devotion proves to be his undoing. I believe that Shakespeare is condemning assumptions in this play, and I see that Polonius' character operates off assumptions. Polonius assumes that Claudius is noble, that Hamlet is a madman, that Laertes needs supervision, and that Ophelia is not worthy of Hamlet's love. Polonius fails to observe anything more than face value and since this characteristic contradicts Shakespeare's point, Polonius dies in Act III serving as a catalyst for the rest of the tragedy.  

( Act 1 Scene 3 Lines 69-81)
Polonius: Take each man's censure, but reserve thy judgement.
Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy,
But not expressed 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
Neither a borrower or a lender be,
for loan oft lose both itself and friend
and borrowing dulls th' edge of husbandry.
This above all, to thine own self be true
And it must follow as the night and day.
Thou canst not then be false to any man
Farewell. My blessing season this in thee!


Here the reader sees a great deal about Polonius. First, we see his love as a parent in how protective he is towards his son. Although their are good intentions behind this advice, I can't help but see Polonius' flaws too. I don't think it is a coincidence that Polonius says, "neither a borrower nor a lender be" because I think this advice is an offshoot of Polonius' paranoia of others. Since Polonius doubts the integrity of others, it is no surprise to find this theme in his advice. Also, the advice that "apparel oft proclaims the man" is undoubtedly a nod to Polonius' tendency to put faith in appearances while never looking deeper. In all, I think Shakespeare does not condone the fearful and assuming character that is Polonius despite Polonius' good intentions.