hamlet

A detailed Summary of hamlet


In Hamlet, Polonius is a well-respected and important person. It seems appropriate that he investigates and controls the behavior of his son Laertes and daughter Ophelia. He, as the Lord Chamberlain of Claudius? courts, is no longer a private person but a public one. What he or his children do has important communal, not just personal implications. However, if his actions and speeches are examined closer, it is evident that he is a limited and vain person who is overly concerned with his appearance and wears many masks to communicate with different people. By analyzing the speech in Act II, scene ii, 85-112 it is closely revealed that there are several themes, characterization and plot atmosphere.

In the following speech, Polonius has decided to tell Gertrude and Claudius that he has discovered the reason for Hamlet?s odd behavior, which is in his opinion caused by Hamlet?s love for Ophelia, Polonius? daughter. Besides the fact that this kind of love relationship would make Polonius extremely proud because of Hamlet?s princely position, Polonius is re


and tediousness the limbs and outward flourishes/

This speech is a wonderful relief from the tension and tragic seriousness throughout the tragedy. Here, it is evident that Polonius is the clown of the play. His use of metaphors and play on words, all delivered in the supreme confidence in his own ability, result in a crazy misrepresentation. What is most amusing is that Polonius is his own critic, when talking about night, day and time. He concludes, ?brevity is the soul of wit.? (II. ii.90) Also, after indulging in another exercise involving the words true and pity, he exclaims, ?A foolish figure!? (II. ii. 98)

why day is day, night night, and time is time/

were nothing but to waste night, day and time/

This speech is very fake. Here, Polonius plays a role. He is humble in his own manner to flatter the King and Queen. Polonius starts his soliloquy with ?My Liege, and madam, to expostulate/ what majesty should be, what duty is.? (II. ii. 92-93) He is concerned about appearing as wise as possible, at the same time playing it up to the royal c

Some common words found in the essay are:
King Queen, Reynaldo Polonius, Chamberlain Claudius, Queen Polonius, Ophelia Polonius, Act II, Hamlet Polonius, Gertrude Claudius, ii ii, night day, liege madam expostulate/, expostulate/ majesty duty, polonius tries, majesty duty, expostulate/ majesty, liege madam, madam expostulate/ majesty, brevity soul, madam expostulate/, king queen,

Approximate Word count = 717
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Novels

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