Monday, October 25, 2010

Laertes & Polonius: Hamlet Advice to Ophelia


Both Laertes and Polonius significantly object to Ophelia dating Hamlet. Firstly, Laertes believes Hamlet is still an unsophisticated individual who does see the full seriousness of a relationship yet, but solely wants to experience all the pleasure that is applicable. "But you must fear, his greatness weigh'd, his will is not his own For he himself is subject to his birth:"(1.2.16-18). In addition, Laertes expresses that because of Hamlets social ranking in society he might not be the best fit to be Ophelia's lover. He thinks since Hamlet is so high in rank, as the prince, he cannot always marry someone to his own personal liking, therefore; Ophelia is wasting her time chasing after Hamlet. Polonius, on the other hand, simply reiterates Laertes’s advice and advises Ophelia to stop seeing Hamlet. Personally, I believe Laertes’s advice is much more persuasive as he actually articulates reasoning why not for Ophelia to see Hamlet.

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