Reflections on Polonius’ Advice to Ophelia

In Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, Polonius is a character who is often misunderstood. He is seen as a foolish old man who speaks in platitudes and offers advice that is trite and unhelpful. However, a closer examination of his character reveals that he is a wise man who is genuinely concerned for the well-being of his family. In Scene III of Act I, Polonius offers some advice to his daughter Ophelia that is particularly salient in the context of the play.

Polonius tells Ophelia that she should be wary of Hamlet’s advances, as he is not the marrying type. He advises her to guard her heart and not to trust her own judgment. He also tells her that she should not see Hamlet again, as it would be best for her to stay away from him.

At first glance, this advice may seem simplistic and unhelpful. However, it is important to understand the context in which it is given. Polonius is a father who is concerned for the safety and well-being of his daughter. He knows that Hamlet is not a reliable suitor and that Ophelia could be hurt if she becomes too attached to him.

Furthermore, Polonius’ advice to Ophelia can be seen as a reflection of the patriarchal society in which the play is set. Women were not seen as equal to men and were often expected to be submissive and obedient. Polonius is simply trying to protect his daughter by advising her to follow the norms of society and not to deviate from them.

However, it is important to note that Polonius’ advice is not without its flaws. By telling Ophelia not to trust her own judgment, he is essentially telling her that she is not capable of making her own decisions. This is a problematic message to send to a young woman who is trying to navigate the complexities of love and relationships.

In addition, Polonius’ advice to Ophelia is ultimately ineffectual. Ophelia continues to see Hamlet, despite her father’s warnings, and her relationship with him ultimately ends in tragedy. This is a testament to the fact that love canot be controlled or predicted, no matter how well-intentioned the advice may be.

Polonius’ advice to Ophelia in Scene III of Act I is a reflection of the patriarchal society in which the play is set. While his intentions are good, his advice is ultimately ineffective and sends a problematic message to his daughter. The play serves as a reminder that love cannot be controlled or predicted, and that individuals should trust their own judgment when it comes to matters of the heart.

What Advice Does Polonius Give?

Polonius gives several pieces of advice in William Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet”. He advises his son Laertes to listen to others but speak sparingly, to accept criticism but not rush to judgment, and to dress well without being flashy. Polonius also advises his daughter Ophelia to be cautious in her relationship with Hamlet, warning her that he may not have honorable intentions. Polonius’s advice emphasizes the importance of discretion, prudence, and decorum in navigating social interactions.

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What Advice Do Both Polonius And Laertes Give To Ophelia?

Polonius and Laertes advise Ophelia not to trust her heart and believe in the words of Hamlet, the man she loves. They both claim that Hamlet is using her and will discard her as soon as he gets what he wants. Polonius suggests that Ophelia sould avoid Hamlet and not entertain his advances. Laertes warns Ophelia to be wary of Hamlet’s sweet words and not to fall for his lies. Both men emphasize that Hamlet’s intentions are not genuine, and Ophelia should not be fooled by his love. They urge her to prioritize her honor and reputation and not to ruin it by associating with a man like Hamlet.

What Is Polonius Advice To Ophelia Quizlet?

Polonius advises Ophelia in the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare that Hamlet is not the type to marry and she should stay away from him. He also instructs her to keep her opinions to herself and to be true to herself. In Scene III, Ophelia agrees to obey Polonius’ advice.

What Advice Is Polonius Giving To Ophelia In Act I Scene 3 Choose 2?

Polonius is giving Ophelia the advice to avoid meeting or seing Hamlet. He tells her to follow her brother’s advice and not to allow Hamlet to have any access to her. Polonius warns her about Hamlet’s love for her, which he thinks is not genuine and merely a part of his madness. He tells her that Hamlet’s madness is not just due to his love for her but also due to the pressure of being the Prince of Denmark. Polonius advises Ophelia to be cautious and not to trust Hamlet’s words or actions. Additionally, he instructs her to not speak or interact with him, and to maintain a distance from him.

Conclusion

Polonius’ advice to Ophelia is quite clear and straightforward. He advises her to be cautious in matters of the heart and not to trust easily. He warns her that Hamlet may not have the best intentions and that she sould keep her distance. Moreover, he also advises her to be true to herself and not to be swayed by the opinions of others. Polonius’ advice may seem overbearing and controlling, but it is rooted in his desire to protect his daughter from potential harm. While his intentions may be good, it is ultimately up to Ophelia to make her own decisions and navigate the complex world of love and relationships.

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William Armstrong

William Armstrong is a senior editor with H-O-M-E.org, where he writes on a wide variety of topics. He has also worked as a radio reporter and holds a degree from Moody College of Communication. William was born in Denton, TX and currently resides in Austin.