Act 1 Polonius

Intro: Laertes is about to leave Denmark to go to school and Polonius is giving him some advice about how to act before he departs.

Passage:

“Give every man thy ear but few thy voice.

Take each man’s censure but reserve thy judgment.

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 nor a lender (be,)

For (loan) oft loses both itself and friend,

And borrowing (dulls the) edge of husbandry” (1.3.65-87).

Analysis:

In this exchange Polonius is giving Laertes some parting advice before he takes off. The advice that Polonius gives to Laertes shows that Polonius isn’t too smart. Polonius shows the extent of his intelligence through this exchange by contradicting almost every piece of advice he gives to Laertes. By giving his son advice that is all contradictory, Polonius is not being helpful at all. Also, in this passage Polonius goes overboard on all of the messages that he wants Laertes to take with him. Had Polonius actually wanted Laertes to take a piece of advice out of their conversation, Polonius would have given him less messages to remember. By Polonius giving Laertes so many pieces of advice, his goodbye speech turns into a goodbye babble. By babbling at his son, Polonius also shows that although he does have some influence over his kids it is limited.

Intro: Polonius has learned of Hamlet’s love for Ophelia and is scolding her, telling her that she has reacted to Hamlet wrong.

Passage:

“Marry, I will teach you. Think yourself a baby

That you have ta'en these tenders for true pay,

Which are not sterling. Tender yourself more dearly,

Or (not to crack the wind of the poor phrase,

Running it thus) you’ll tender me a fool” (1.3.114-118).

Analysis: Through this exchange Polonius shows that he thinks he has complete control over Ophelia and doesn’t need to sugarcoat anything he says. Polonius shows this by telling Ophelia that she is like a baby. Through this exchange Polonius also reveals his belief that he is much smarter than Ophelia and needs to teach her things about life (“Marry, I will teach you”). This passage also reveals that Polonius sees Ophelia as his possession when he worries about his reputation at the end over all else. When Polonies says to Ophelia “tender yourself more dearly” he shows that he worries about Ophelia (although less than his own reputation). 

Intro: Polonius is still scolding Ophelia for her reluctance to stop seeing Hamlet.  

Passage:

“When the blood burns, how prodigal the soul

Lends the tongue vows. These blazes, daughter,

Giving more light than heat, extinct in both

Even in their promise as it is a-making,

You must not take for fire[...]

I would not, in plain terms, from this time forth

Have you so slander any moment leisure,

As to give words or talk with the Lord Hamlet.

Look to ’t, I charge you. Come your ways” (1.3.124-144).

Analysis: In this passage Polonius shows a softer side of himself as he goes in depth on how he understands the situation around young love. Polonius, while still being companionate tries to differentiate for Ophelia the difference between her love and true love. This reveals that Polonius is willing to do anything in order to achieve his goals. This passage also shows how straightforward Polonius is, making sure that he gives Ophelia suggestions on how to move on and why she needs to move on. Finally, when Polonius is done with his rant he commands Ophelia to do as he says. This reveals that even though all of his sympathetic talk, Polonius still feels like he has control over Ophelia.

Intro: Claudius is holding court and thanking everyone for their support. He discusses the current affairs of the country and asks Laertes what he needs to tell him.

Passage:

LAERTES:

    My dread lord,

Your leave and favor to return to France,

From whence though willingly I came to Denmark

To show my duty in your coronation,

Yet now, I must confess, that duty done,

My thoughts and wishes bend again toward France

And bow them to your gracious leave and pardon.

CLAUDIUS:

Have you your father’s leave? What says Polonius?

POLONIUS:

He hath, my lord, (wrung from me my slow leave

By laborsome petition, and at last

Upon his will I sealed my hard consent.)

I do beseech you, give him leave to go.

 (1.2.52-65).

Analysis: In this exchange Laertes asks the King’s permission to return to Denmark. The King responds by asking the question to Polonius who grants him his wish. By the King asking Polonius’s permission about his son’s request this reveals that Polonius does in fact have the supreme control over his son. This also reveals that Polonius has the respect of the King to make the right decision. In this passage Polonius also says that he is agreeing to Laertes request due to his persistence. This shows that although Polonius has the final authority over his children, however they have the ability to influence his decisions.

The actor that would best portray Polonius would be Arnold Schwarzenegger. Arnold Schwarzenegger would be the best Polonius because he has the ability to be imposing over his children when he needs to be and influence their motives. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s gigantic body type would make him a good Polonius also because he looks like someone who doesn’t care about anyone but himself (and working out). Schwarzenegger would also be good as Polonius because in lots of movies that he is in he has to play the role of someone that is bossed around (usually to make fun of his huge size). The final reason that Schwarzenegger would make a good Polonius is because he looks like someone who would stick very strongly to their believes, just as Polonius is sure that Hamlet is crazy because of his love