Hamlet #2 and #3

Hamlet #2:

Act I scene 3 placed King Claudius’ chancellor Polonious and his family in stark contrast to Claudius’ own relationship with Hamlet. Very early on in the scene, the audience is forced to intently listen to a monologue Laertes, son of Polonious, gives to his sister Ophelia about the implications of loving Hamlet. More importantly, Laertes is concerned that Hamlet’s prince-like charm will seduce Ophelia into sacrificing her purity saying, “The chariest maid is prodigal enough / If she unmask her beauty to the moon” (I.iii.40-41). Fearing that Ophelia’s purity will be jeopardized by a seductive appearance in front of Hamlet, Laertes shows an expressive amount of concern for Ophelia, and acting like a big brother, confesses his genuine feelings about the implications of Ophelia’s relationship with Hamlet. Following Laertes’ speech, Polonious enters the room stunned to find Laertes still there, as he is supposed to be heading back to France for school. Before pushing him out the door, Polonious offers much advice about his own personal well-being while he will be away at school. Polonious concludes his monologue with the statement, “This above all: to thine own self be true, / And it must follow, as the night the day, / Thou canst not be false to any man” (I.iii.84-86). In this passage, Polonious expresses his own concern over his son, genuinely offering advice that will hopefully offer many benefits. He explains the importance of being honest with who one truly is and never letting the falsities of life be made present to any man. The conversations between Polonious, Laertes, and Ophelia emphasize the disparaging relationship Hamlet has with his uncle. Even now that Claudius is his father, Hamlet does not seem to recognize his authority, and he despises his hypocrisy as a leader and a father. The contrasting relationships will most likely be heightened later on the play in order to further emphasize the sickening relationship between Hamlet and Claudius. 

Hamlet #3: 

High Hopes

How do I prepare for an event so predictable?

I am painlessly aware of that which is so visible.

I have known for seventeen years,

Now my eyes are full of tears.

Our time to separate has come,

Oh, please do write home!

For your worth and your size

Are everything in my eyes.

I love you just the same,

Now go create your fame.

I can grapple with this issue

In the time that I will miss you.

Your concern involves your future,

And not my emotional stupor.

I am a mother after all, pleasantly forbidding,

Now wander towards success, or should I be permitting?