Parents’ treatment of their children is touched upon in Hamlet, throughout the entire play. The first example of this is seen through the relationship of Polonius, Laertes, and Ophelia. Polonius offers Laertes good, fatherly advice before Laertes leaves Denmark. Polonius tells him, “Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice; / Take each man’s censure, but reserve thy judgement.” (I, iv, 68-69). He wants his son to be wise and stay clear of conflict. He suggests that Laertes should listen to others rather than interject. Polonius eventually offers his last piece of advice s

At first glance, it is seen that Polonius loves his son. He wants Laertes to act like a responsible man and succeed in his life. Then Polonius consults with Reynaldo. He tells Reynaldo, “Before you visit him, make inquire / Of his behaviour.” (II, i, 3-4). He wants Reynaldo to spy on Laertes. Even with the advice given to Laertes, Polonius does not completely trust him. He wants to make sure that his son is acting properly. He does love Laertes, but fears what Laertes may do to his name. Polonius will not tolerate being made a fool of by the actions of his kin. He is a man of love but is more concerned with his position and status in life.

Polonius’ relationship with his children is also seen when dealing with his daughter, Ophelia. In Hamlet, he first approaches her after Laertes leaves. The first thing Polonius says to her is, “What is’t, Ophelia, he hath said to you?” (I, iii, 88). He is extremely curious about what Laertes said to Ophelia. Polonius has no business in the matter but nonetheless, he wants to know. She reveals to him that they talked about Hamlet. He becomes infuriated with the idea of Ophelia and Hamlet spending time together. He states, “Affection! pooh! You speak like a green girl, / Unsifted in such perilous circumstance. / Do you believe his tenders, as you call them?” (I, iii, 101-103). Then he says, “Marry, I will teach you: think yourself a baby; / That you have these tenders for true pay, / …Running it thus– you’ll tender me a fool.” (I, iii, 105-109). He forbids Ophelia to see Hamlet because he fears that her actions may render him a fool. He is far more direct with his daughter because she is a woman. He gave Laertes advice and then sent a spy to watch his actions. To Ophelia, rather than giving advice, he gave her an order.

Yet another parent of Hamlet, the queen, did communicate with her son either. When asked about his feelings for his father Hamlet responds to his mother, “Seems, madam! Nay, it is; I know not seems” (I, ii, 76). He responds quickly and coldly to the questions of his mother. She killed his father and married his uncle and therefore, would never be forgiven by him. Throughout the play she gave no input on any topic other than agreeing with the king. Whatever Claudius wished, she did not contest. At one point, the queen and Hamlet eventua

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