TO START, WE HAVE OUR FINAL TEST ON TITUS TOMORROW 4/3!
In class today, we analyzed I.iii of Hamlet. Reexamine the advice Laertes gives Ophelia, the advice Polonius gives Laertes, and the advice Polonius gives Ophelia. We briefly discussed the universal appeal of these pointers...how they can apply to the past, the present, and--most likely--the future. For this response, I'd like you to share your opinions/reactions to the relationships developed and the advice given in this scene. If you need some inspiration, you may evaluate whether or not this scene is realistic or whether or not any of the advice is too strict/outdated. Remember, it's your reaction.
I feel that the advice Polonius gave to Ophelia is completely on point. Any father would tell their daughter to watch out for a boy who seemed like he was just in it for the sex. Even though this was a play in the past fathers still react to their daughters dating or having a boyfriend they just want to make sure the boy is in it for other things and they actually want to be with their daughters, just making sure they are being safe. The information Laertes gave Ophelia was like any brother just looking out for their sister advice. Guys hear things that girls wouldn't so Laertes probably knows things that Ophelia doesn't about him. I think it is very dated for a brother and sister to be concerned about each other. The advice Polonius gives to Laertes I think is somewhat outdated but the things that he was talking about enemies and when he goes to college. Polonius is trying to give his son some advice before he goes away but some of the things aren't something a parent would tell their kids now. But overall most of the advice given seemed very dated and most people now a days would take it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Stephanie, the advice Polonius gave to Ophelia was completely accurate with today, because young men such as Hamlet only want one thing, sex. This generalization that has been made about young men has certainly stuck around, and I think on some level Shakespeare may have known that this particular quality about men would never disappear. Also, even though the exchange between Polonius and Ophelia was awkward and the advice was a little more that what a teenage girl would like to hear, I think that it was suppose to feel awkward because it kind of gives this family a more real life quality.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I disagree with Stephanie when it comes to the advice Polonius gave to Laertes, I find that the advice is still relevant to today. I believe this because, for example, you hear of college students partying too much with their "friends" and when one kid gets alcohol poisoning his/her so called friends will just leave them passed out, granted there have been a few exceptions, however not enough. So I think Polonius's advice on making friends and being wary on who you trust can be a very valuable tool when making friends, that way you know who to party with ;)
So, overall I think that all the advice Polonius gave to his children is still relevant to today.
So, Laertes and Ophelia have that close brother and sister relationship that some people have. The relationship where there is no awkward moments when talking on such personal subjects. Laertes was warning and giving advice to Ophelia to not lose her heart with such a premature love. It's a "premature love" because Ophelia and Hamlet are young and think they're in love. But of course, Ophelia doesn't listen to Laertes' advice because she thinks she's right and it's a true love. In response to Laertes, Ophelia lets him know to do the same and not "slut around" or party too much. If he wants her to climb that "steep and thorny way to heaven" then he should do the same. After their conversation, Polonius comes in to join them. He jumps into the conversation and adds to Laertes advice on what to do and not to do when he's away. When Laertes leaves and mentions Ophelia and his conversation, Lord Polonius dares to ask Ophelia what it was about. This lead into a similar conversation where Polonius talked about "touchy" subjects with a Ophelia, which would be considered awkward conversations for most parents today. Each of these three conversations are timeless. They were used back then and are continued to be used today amongst brothers and sisters as well as parents concerned with their daughters dating.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I liked the advice that Laertes gave Ophelia. I thought it was sweet and demonstrated a caring side to Laertes. I could tell that he understood how wrapped up Ophelia was with the relationship and he was sensitive when it came to her feelings. It was smart of him to have this talk with his sister because sometimes girls don't see things the same when they're in the relationship. They will block out things that people like Laertes and Lord Polonius will be able to see. Like Hamlet, Laertes is a young boy so he knows how young male minds work. As for the advice that Polonius gave Ophelia, I believe he said everything perfectly. It is only natural for a dad to want to look out for his little girl. In my opinion, he was a little more "up tight" about the relationship than Laertes seemed to be. He was blunt when telling her she seemed naive and how guys only want one thing at that age. It might have seemed to harsh to hear when you are Ophelia..but it was the brutal truth. I think it might have opened up her eyes. Finally, the advice that Polonius gave to Laertes was a little "old" sounding. I don't think you would hear a father say all of those things to a son today, but there was definitely some things in his speech that you would still hear. For example, when he said don't speak your mind right away- think before you act and it is important to keep the good friends with you forever. In conclusion, it is safe to say that all three advice's were relevant to advice on situations that would occur in todays age.
ReplyDeleteI think Ophelia is being a typical stupid teenage girl, and I think it is great that her dad and brother are practically spelling out to her that Hamlet just wants to sleep with her. Ophelia, being so infatuated with the young prince, doesn't listen to the advice her brother and dad are making--proving her stupidity. I feel like the scene is not outdated at all and is perfectly realistic. Laertes's advice was exactly what I could picture an older brother saying to his younger sister. Isn't that why Shakespeare is so famous still until today? He is able to reach upon universal concepts that transcend through time. Laertes's monologue is an example of this. I also believe Polonius's advice to Laertes isn't outdated as well. He tells his son to keep good friends close to you and to "not be a borrower, nor a lender be." That saying is still used, quite prevalently, in English today.
ReplyDeleteToday’s lectures brought by the fellow Laertes, and Polonius created some nice imagery. In my mind I pictured a very American 1950’s atmosphere, as if Wally in “Leave it to Beaver” was about to go off to college and his dad is telling him all the dangers college may have. The advice he gave was very good and important that Laertes knows that while he’s away, but I think it was just too peachy of a conversation. While Laertes got the strong wise dad, Ophelia had the awkward sex talk. I thought Ophelia’s father was very caring and simply telling the truth about how guys are that age really are fools that say anything they can to get the girl. So she should be protective and watchful for herself. But how come Laertes didn’t get a similar talk to behave and respect women while he’s away? How is that Lord Polonius can preach to his son about the importance of not looking like a gaudy mess in France and keeping your true friends close, but excludes the part of not messing with girls too? In my opinion that’s something that should have been included in Polonius’s speech as well as the other valuable pieces of information he included in his talk to Laertes. Now I do think Ophelia is going to naturally ignore everything her dad tells her. She’ll have her way and stay infatuated with Hamlet because that’s what most girls naturally do when it comes to guys. “I shall obey, my lord”, Yeah right Ophelia that’s a load of garbage and we all know it. Other than that, the speeches that Laertes and Lord Polonius gave did overall demonstrate care and concern towards each other, something that is forever reoccurring in households that want what's best towards their family members.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the advice given to Ophelia and Laetres is completely plausible to the advice people give or should give their children today. Laetres' advice to Ophelia is that she should not be so loose with herself, and not be so eager to give herself up to any guy that says he loves her. She should be more careful than that. Although it would be extremely awkward for most people to hear this advice from their older brother, it is sound advice. It may not be said the same way today, but there might be a brother to sister awkward conversation where the brother is looking out for his sister and trying to warn her about how some men can be and what their real motives are. Also, the advice that Polonius gives to his son going away to college is completely realistic. Polonius' advice is very good and he is trying to teach Laertes how to behave himself while he is away from his parents and away from any parental restrictions. Laertes will need to learn how to behave without his parents reminding him so Polonius tells him what he should and should not do in order to succeed in his life away at college. This could easily be transfered into a modern day scene where a father is give his final advice to his son or daughter before they go away to college. I believe that the advice in general given during this scene is good advice and can be used in modern day.
ReplyDeleteI think that, in most cases, the conversation between Laertes and Ophelia would be very awkward. A sex talk between brother and sister seems a little unlikely to me, but I'm sure that it does happen. I think that the father-daughter sex talk is definitely more likely and realistic. In my opinion, the advice given to Ophelia by Laertes and Polonius is also very accurate and still applies to modern day. Guys are typically stereotyped for only wanting sex and girls are stereotyped as being stupid and allowing guys to use them in hopes that the guys will love them. While these are just broad stereotypes, it still happens and it is apparent that this is what's happening in Hamlet. It's perfectly reasonable and expected for Ophelia's brother and father to try to protect her from this and to prevent her from being labeled as a "slut" due to the notorious double standard that continues to exist today. I like the advice that Polonius gives to Laertes and feel that it is very wise. The advice that Polonius gives to his son is very broad, universal advice that could be given to anyone and at any point in time. It is simply advice on how to be a good person and how to live a good life. Overall, I think that these scenes are realistic and are not outdated, although the advice exchanged between Laertes and Ophelia would certainly be awkward.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this scene in Hamlet because it is very relatable and realistic. All of the advice that is given to Ophelia and Laertes by their father, Polonius, can be used by in today’s society. The talk between father and son exemplified another side of Polonius that I really enjoyed. It showed his father-like qualities that remind me much of my father. He wants the best for his son and is willing to do anything to insure that he has a great life. I really enjoyed the talk between father and son because it showed a totally different relationship than that of Hamlet and his new stepfather. The talk between Laertes and Ophelia does not seem as realistic to me in some aspects. I believe that as an older brother he is doing what any brother would do for their sister which is to protect them. He wants her to not let Hamlets charm get to her because he knows what the "typical guy" wants from a young lady. I don’t necessarily believe that sex would be brought up between the siblings only because it is, as others have said, awkward. On the other hand, many people today are very open about their relationships and if the siblings are close they might tell each other a lot more information. I think the conversation between Ophelia and Polonius is more realistic. The sex talk is still widely used by parents in today’s society. Polonius is also doing his duty as a father by trying to protect her. He knows what all young men want therefore he tries his best to tell her in the most rational and soft way. He is very wise and the advice he gives to her can still be used today. Many guys are stereotyped as to only wanting one thing from girls and although not all are like this, most are. This exemplifies that not much has changed over the centuries which is very intriguing. The advice given by both Laertes and Polonius can still be used today which I find incredible.
ReplyDeleteIf my dad ever initiated a conversation even relatively similar to the conversation that Polonius had with Ophelia, I would be completely creeped out. First of all, I don't think it would ever happen. Second, if for some reason it did happen, it would be extremely awkward and I wouldn't be able to look at my dad the same way for a week or so. I would understand my mother speaking to me about boys and relationships, but my dad doesn't cross into that territory. My brother has tried to be protective of me with boys like Laertes was with Ophelia, but my brother is usually semi-sarcastic. He would never really "beat up any guy who broke my heart," but I know that deep down he does want to protect me. Again, I think having such a serious conversation about sex and staying pure with my brother would be too much of an untouchable subject to bring up in my house. On the other hand, I can see the advice that Polonius gave Laertes occur in any household. I know that before I leave for school, everyone will give me their own personal tips to succeeding. I can see a very similar conversation in my future with my mom. I think that the fact that a play written so long ago is so relative today shows what an incredible writer Shakespeare was.
ReplyDeleteLisa
I think that the advice that Polonius gave to Ophelia was great advice that is very relatable to todays society. The points that he was making is advice that I have heard from multiple people in todays society. Ophelia just thinks that the "love" her and Hamlet have together is real, and that Hamlet is really into her. I think the most relatable advice was when Laertes and Polonius were saying things like don't give your heart out to just anyone, guys may just use girls for sex, and don't make yourself too available. Polonius was being a great father by saying all of these things even if it can get awkward. As a reader, you can tell that he just wants the best for his daughter and he doesn't want to see her get hurt. When Laertes was giving Ophelia advice I thought it was sweet of him to look out for his sister, but I thought it was a little strange for a brother to give is sister sex advice. I think that part wasn't as realistic as Polonius's scene was.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part of Hamlet so far has been the advice that Polonius gives to Laertes before he leaves for France. It is very realistic in the sense that before kids leave to college, their parents give them a list of advice on how to survive by themselves. It is also very realistic because he basically says "I do not want you to go, but I know you have to". I think thats how basically everyones parents feel when their kids leave. Even though Shakespeare wrote that advice in the 1600's, it is extremely relatable to todays world, and the advice could be used by anyone. One part I thought was extremely awkward was the sex talk between Laertes and Ophelia. I dont think that happens to much in real life. I understand that Laertes does not want Ophelia to be know as a whore, but I still think it is awkward. Also in the excerpt from Epictetus Shakespeare saw inspiration. Shakespeare's writing is almost identical to the excerpt from Epictetus about the advice for life. In conclusion, the scenes we read were very acurate.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading and discussing the advice given to Ophelia by her father and brother, you can clearly see how much her family cares about her compared to the advice King Claudius gave to his stepson Hamlet. While reading the scene I didn’t find that the talk between Ophelia with her father and brother was awkward but more genuine and helpful. Any talk about sex with your dad and brother probably is going to be a little uncomfortable but I don’t feel that was Shakespear’s intentions while writing this scene. I think that both situations where Ophelia received advice from here brother and father are both really realistic. I think Shakespeare shows a foil between the two families to demonstrate how a more grounded, caring family ( Ophelia, Laertes, Lord Polonius) handles a situation compared to a more chaotic, power influenced family (King Claudius, Hamlet, Queen Gertrude). The advice Hamlet received did more harm then good. King Claudius and Queen Gertrude are tring to forced Hamlet through his grieving process while he isn’t ready, which I think in the end will only cause more of a crisis.
ReplyDeleteAlso I found the advice Lord Polonius gave to Laertes to be extremely crucial and meaningful. I think the best line in his speech is “Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice.” I think that is vital information because by opening your mouth to someone you could get yourself into a lot of trouble. It’s hard to trust anyone and by not saying anything to anyone you have nothing to fear. Listen to whatever everyone else offers to tell, but don’t be stupid enough to share what you know.
I feel the advice Polonius gave Ophelia was fatherly and being that her mother isn't around he probably feels that somebody needs to speak to her about it. He's looking out for his daughters best interest and trying to keep her safe in any and every way he can. I agree that the conversation may be a bit awkward but in this situation he probably felt it was necessary to talk to Ophelia about it. Polonius doesn't want to see Ophelia get hurt and he's just trying to prevent any kind of trouble.
ReplyDeleteI feel like Shakespeare was able to capture the exchange between Ophelia, Laertes, and Polonius very realistically for the time period. However, in twenty-first century America I think this conversation may have been slightly less blunt. While this situation is still very relevant and Laertes' and Polonius' worries would still be very valid in modern society, I believe they may have been slightly more considerate to her feelings had this taken place in the present day. Also, I believe that Shakespeare's implicated stereotype concerning the intelligence of teenage girls was astutely picked up on by Marc (above^^).
ReplyDeleteThe advice that both Laertes and Polonius give to Ophelia is timeless, it can be found in a lot of movies and books today. It is so realistic in that the older brother and father are being protective of the young girl in the family which is like most families today. I like Laertes advice better because it isn't as awkward and I think every girl can agree that having a talk like that with your dad isn't the first thing you want to do. I also like that in Ophelia and Laerte's talk she's fiesty towards him and comes right back when he is telling her what to do which is what every teenager does. She also tries to appease her father after his speech and says yes I will do what you say even though I think most of us know that she isn't going to listen to him. It just shows that people may have seemed more traditional and reserved but we are all the same no matter what time period, everyone goes through the same things and I think that it is great that even today we can relate to this play.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I think that this type of a conversation with a daughter would usually come from a mother, I do believe that a father would have this conversation with his daughter knowing the mother wasn’t around to have it with her. This conversation between the father and daughter could be taken awkwardly, I don’t think that Shakespeare meant for it to be that way. I don’t think that it is that strange for a brother to have the sex talk with his sister either because it just shows how close they are and they really do just care about each other and they are only looking out for her. I think that Shakespeare’s intentions of this conversation were genuine and Ophelias father and brother were sincerely looking out for her. I also think that the advice Polonius give to Laertes is also very realistic. Before kids go to college, parents are going to give you advice on how to survive on your own and how to make sure you make yourself look good and show you how to be and act responsible on your own.
ReplyDeleteNicolette Heldberg
ReplyDeleteI think that Polonius's advice to his son and daughter is still relavant today. I think Polonius advice to Laertes is relevant to the real world in kids going away to college. I think this speak can represent something parents would say to their children as they go to college. I thought Polonius advice to Ophelias was cute because Ophelias mom was not around to talk to her about boys and give her the advice that moms usually give to their daughters. I think the fact that the advice actaully was relevant to Hamlets and Ophelias relationship made it seem like Polonius is a concerned father unlike Hamlets uncle/step-dad. I think The uncle/step-dad was put into the play to show two polar oppisites. It shows advice from a concerned father and then advice from a father thats seems to not care at all. Overall, Shakespeare wrote Polonuis speach very well showing advice that people still use today.
The advice given to Oephilia from her father is the same advice I think most father's give out to there daughters today. I dont think this is outdated. She's just wearing her heart on her sleeve. I think Oephilia's dad learned the hard way and wore his heart on his sleeve at one time too, and fell into love to quickly like she's starting to. He probably knows how bad it hurt when things didn't turn out. So therefore I think it's good advice. Hes just protecting her.
ReplyDeleteHettler
I think the advice that Laertes gives Opheila is advice my big brother would give to me. All Laertes wants to do is make sure his sister is making smart decisions when it comes to boys. My oldest brother has given me the same lecture so i dont think this conversation is outdated at all. Polonius and Opheila's conversation is a little awkward, but definitely a talk many daughters and fathers have. I think Polonius is very blunt about his feelings. I think if my father tried to talk to me about a situation like this he would sugar coat it more instead of just coming out and saying im to "available."
ReplyDeletePolonius's and Laertes advice for Oephilia is, like Hettler said, not "outdated". Fathers like Polonius is just looking out for Oephilia because obviously he does not want her heart broken over some lust that is occurring with Hamlet. I also like this scene because it compares the sympathy level between both families. Hamlet's family is very nonsupporting and harsh on Hamlet even though his father has only passed away a couple of months ago, while Oephilia's family is guiding and supportive about her situation and just advising her on the path she should take towards tough situations like the one being portrayed.
ReplyDeleteAlthough Polonius, Ophelia and Laertes are a tight-knit, caring family, their motives are different than families living in 2012. Society back then was focused on arranged marriages, where people were married to others within their social classes, and rarely married someone of a different class. When Laertes was lecturing Ophelia about his dislike for Hamlet, it seemed to me like he was very focused on Ophelia’s appearance to society. He told her that Hamlet would not want to marry her because she is in a lower class than him, and he frequently warned her that people would think lowly of her if she decided to sleep with Hamlet. Although Laertes clearly cares for his sister, it is shown that he cares more in a “I don’t want your reputation to be ruined” way. This is also shown in Polonius’ speech to Laertes. Polonius obviously wanted the best for his son, but he, like Laertes, restricted his behaviors in order for people to like him. He also wanted to make sure that his son looked presentable at all times. Basically, what I’m trying to portray is the fact that Ophelia’s family is close and open with each other (like any family living today), but their care was focused on more of their outward appearance to their society, while today, families try more to make their children feel good about themselves, despite what people think.
ReplyDeleteAlthough this is a typical topic discussed in families, I found it comical how awkward the position Ophleia must have been in. More often are these conversations shared between a mother and daughter, to the extant that Polonius was ineffective at getting his point across. This is obvious when you have Ophelia agreeing with him, only to get him to shut up. And of course this is applicable today because every teenager knows the feeling of just wanting their parents to stop nagging them. Overall, the general idea of Polonis and Laertes' advice to Ophelia is one that will never go away. Fathers and Brothers in close families will always be protective and ultimately reluctant to allow their daughter/sister to venture into the world of "adulthood."
ReplyDeleteI feel that most of the advice given by Polonius and Laertes during the chapter still makes sense today. The advice given to Ophelia is advice that wouldn't seem out of place today. Polonius's advice to Laertes when he is going to France is also perfect advise for anyone going away for college. This scene also show's that they are a close family who are trying to help each other make good decisions, instead of dismissing each other and treating each other harshly like Hamlets family.
ReplyDeleteThe advice that Polonius gives Ophelia is not relevant to today at all. Polonius tells Ophelia to not be with hamlet because he is obligated to marry royalty. Today, there is a lot more acceptances toward social mobility. If Hamlet was not obligated to marry royalty, there would be no reason for Ophelia to be cautious of Hamlet. Nowadays, women who are commoners marry royalty all the time, there’s even an E special on it. Kate Middleton is the perfect example; she was a commoner who married royalty into English royalty. In the Elizabethan era a commoner would never be able to marry royalty.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with Amanda on Polonius being concerned about the reputation of the family. I infer that Polonius truly cares about his children from his speeches to them. I think that Polonius is trying to separate Hamlet and Ophelia by making Ophelia feel like she is being a disgrace to her family by seeing Hamlet. I think that Polonius is more concerned with the rejection Ophelia will feel when the time comes for hamlet to dump her. Ophelia is so in love with Hamlet that she would never believe someone that tells her Hamlet will dump her. Polonius probably is trying to separate the two by putting the family honor in the middle to protect his daughter from rejection.
I feel Polonius' advice to Laertes was the best advice, mainly because it's the most applicable advice, the others are just being protective of a girl, anyone can use the advice to Laertes.
ReplyDeleteThe advice given in scene iii to Ophelia from her father Polonius and brother Laertes is still applicable today and not outdated. Laertes warns his sister about Hamlet and how as a guy he can understand the way he think. Although Hamlet may express everlasting love for her it will not last because men are too driven by sex and is too young to have his mind made up. Polonius gives Ophelia similar advice and explains how a guy at Hamlet's age only has sex on his mind, a point many fathers would argue to their daughters today.
ReplyDeleteI feel Polonius' advice to Laertes was the best advice, mainly because it's the most applicable advice, the others are just being protective of a girl, anyone can use the advice to Laertes.
ReplyDeleteThe advice that was given to Oephilia from here father is rather similar to what a father in the present would say to their daughters. I feel that it is not outdated at all; as a father he is trying to make sure that his daughter is being smart and not making any of the wrong decisions in her love life. Personally I feel that a conversation like that would be awkward to have with your father but then again it shows the connection that they have as father and daughter. It shows the opposite between each family’s, Hamlets family is unsporting and kind of mean to him but on the other hand Oephilias family is supportive and even though they both have negative feelings towards what she is doing; they turn it into positive advice rather than just the cruel truth of the matter.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I thought that Polonius and Laertes were fair in their advice to Ophelia, I don't think it really concerned them... Ophelia should be able to be intimate with whomever she wants, even if there's a risk of being hurt. Laertes and Polonius could have just told Ophelia to be careful... ANYWAY I also really liked the advice that Polonius gave to Laertes. It was a "hallmark" moment. It was nice.
ReplyDeleteI think that the advice Polonius gave to Ophelia isn’t outdated because fathers nowadays are also looking after their daughters and want them to be safe. Polonius doesn’t want Ophelia to end up hurt. Also the advice Laertes gives to Ophelia is sort of odd because in recent times there aren’t really ‘sex’ talks between a brother and sister. I can understand that Laertes is being a good brother and just looking out for his sister. Ophelia is being really stubborn and not listening to what her father and brother have to say. Also the advice Polonius gives to Laertes is pretty relevant because most parents would want their children to be safe and act maturely when going off to college.
ReplyDeletePersonally I wouldn't know if the advice given to Ophelia was something all fathers say to their daughters because of the lack of a father figure in my life, but I know that a loving parent in general would say something exactly like that. One thing I found odd though was the how Ophelia reacted to Laertes's advice. Ophelia isn't really weirded out by her brother giving her sex advice, even if they were really close there'd still be some awkwardness. It would make more sense if Laertes was just like "guys suck, move on" and left it at that.
ReplyDeleteI think that the advice given by her to her father was very relevant to the present day. I liked the advice that Laertes gave Ophelia. I thought it was sweet and it was able to show the juxtaposition between this family and Hamlet's. I thought that it took a lot of courage talk to Ophelia with such honesty and still be cautious to not hurt her feelings. This shows that Ophelia and her father have a much better relationship than Hamlet and his uncle. Hamlets uncle was not afraid to hurt Hamets feelings and was not very considerate. He just told him to man up and move on. I think he is much colder than Ophelias father.
ReplyDeleteCatherine Lang
Parents and brothers today have the same intentions as Laertes and Polonius in Act I scene 3, but I would be surprised if people still went about expressing their intentions in such an open way. In my house, my dad would definitely discourage me from dating anyone he disliked, but I could never imagine him taking it as far as Polonius when he told Ophelia that she was basically being used for sex. The same thing goes for the advice given by Laertes; my brother would NEVER in a million years talk about sex with me, yet Laertes talked about Hamlet's relationship with his sister in such a matter-of-fact way. No matter how it's told, however, the advice is still the same in effect, and parents/siblings definitely still TRY to tell their kids who they can and can't date. Laertes and Polonius were being very protective, and I feel that aspect of their conversations is very realistic.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I thought Polonius' advice to Laertes was more up to date, although it seemed almost cheesy at parts. Parents make a point to make sure their kids aren't being too wild, and I appreciated Polonius' be-true-to-yourself closing.
This type of advice given to Ophelia would be awkward to talk about with anyone. Whether it's brother to sister or parent to child they exchanged opinions to help one another. Ophelia is blinded by her love for Hamlet and will probably do anything her heart tells her to do. Polonius is fearful that she will get used by Hamlet. He says she could lose her heart or her chaste treasure. Polonius is being like many fathers. He doesn't want his daughter to get hurt and to regret her young-and-in-love decisions. Polonius advice is realistic to our generation.
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