... expressive form of sadness and irrational passion. Ophelia, towards the end of play, is not sane, nor capable of any practical or rational decisions, and her irrationality leads to her own demise. Shakespeare contrasts these irrational behaviors with the practical concerns of several of the characters. Though these concerns for practical life are the center of mockery in Hamlet, Shakespeare nevertheless ... of thinking. A straight-ahead example of this rational concern can be found in Polonius' speech to Laertes. Polonius' concern for practical matters is seen in the following, Give ever...

• Word Count: 1742
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

... can feel toward losing a parent and so must mock these intense feelings. Even his mother wants him to " Caste thy nighted colour off And let thine eye look like a friend on Denmark" Act one, scene 2, line 67/68 When she says Denmark she is not only referring to country but king ... unmanly" and "incorrect to heaven" must be unimaginable. This too coming from the two people he should be grieving with but is loathing, his dead father own brother who has married his mother. This "incestuous" marriage would be the beginning of hamlets depressive state of mine. Shown in his soliloquy later in ...

• Word Count: 2522
• Approx Pages: 10
• Grade Level: High School

... the king and queen are suffering from severe guilt. Gertrude realizes she has not waited long enough to mourn her husband's death, while Claudius feels utterly distraught about murdering his own brother. These actions threw Hamlet into a state of insanity, seemingly resulting in an emotionally unstable state. Hamlet uses this to deceive his family members and friends in order to cause ... poisoned by the evil king. After Hamlet defeats Laertes in a portion of the match, the King offers a toast to Hamlet saying, "Stay, give me drink. Hamlet, this pearl is thine, here's to thy health! Giv...

• Word Count: 750
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... noble intent is the concept of deceiving for the betterment of other people. Ignoble intentions are the acts for which other people are harmed, for ones own well-being. In Hamlet, Shakespeare indicates that people who deceive with noble intentions will be rewarded, whereas people who deceive with ignoble intentions will endure ... and care for his son as he gave him advice about being true to yourself and not be false to anyone else. "This above all: to thine own self be true,/ And it must follow, as the night the day,/ Thou canst not then be false to any man./ Farewell: My blessing seas...

• Word Count: 1918
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School

... discover knowledge and to achieve a better understanding about them selves. Both Characters depart, Hagar escaping her nursing home , while Hamlet sent away for his "own protection ". Along the way, they have test and trials which furthers their understanding of them selves. At last resulting in a transformation which gives them ... Claudius. Claudius is worried, because Polonius death could have been his death and sends Hamlet to England. Claudius says, "Hamlet, this deed, for thine especial safety "Which we do tender as we dearly grieve For that which thou hast done "must send thee henc...

• Word Count: 1471
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

... the play, he acts upset in front of Hamlet, because of King Hamlet's death, while in reality he is the one who killed him for his own selfish reasons. Claudius convinces the whole kingdom of his sadness for King Hamlet's death. The reality of the situation is that Claudius cares little for his ... as a very useful figure next to the king. His overly curious nature which he tried to cover by acting to be trustworthy and caring leads to his own demise. Polonius appears to be a loyal servant to his Kingdom when in reality; he secretly enjoys spying and probing around someone else's busines...

• Word Count: 1361
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... one specification, he tells Hamlet not to cause harm to his mother, telling him to "leave her to heaven" and to the wrenching of her own conscience (I.v.86) This creates the inciting incident in which Hamlet is compelled to fulfill his retributive justice. And with this newfound information feeding Hamlet's passionate ... regards to the parralel to father and son, Shakespeare clearly displays the shared trait of hypocrisy. This is apparent as Polonius follows Laertes counsel with his own, which reiterates the words of Laertes. With the sudden death of Laertes" father, Polonius, Laertes ...

• Word Count: 1975
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School

... he only speaks to appear sincere as a politician, to look good rather than actually be good: "And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry. This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. Farewell; my blessing season this in thee ... on him. This shows his lack of trust for anyone, he gives the appearance of a confident father who trusts his son to go off on his own. In reality he lies about his trust for his son by sending a spy to watch him. His advice he gives his son is rehearsed and only ... , he said, he sa...

• Word Count: 1209
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... . The reality is he only speaks to appear sincere as a politician, to look good rather then actually be good: "And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry. This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. Farewell; my blessing season this in thee!" Act 1 Polonius ... and keep an eye on him. This shows his lack of trust for anyone, he gives the appearance of a confident father who trusts his son to go off on his own. In reality he lies about his trust for his son by sending a spy to watch him. His advice he gives h...

• Word Count: 1792
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

... . The reality is he only speaks to appear sincere as a politician, to look good rather then actually be good: "And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry. This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. Farewell; my blessing season this in thee!" Act 1 Polonius ... and keep an eye on him. This shows his lack of trust for anyone, he gives the appearance of a confident father who trusts his son to go off on his own. In reality he lies about his trust for his son by sending a spy to watch him. His advice he gives h...

• Word Count: 1669
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

... in. If Hamlet discovers the truth regarding his father's death, he will likely murder Claudius. If Hamlet stays close to home, Claudius may keep watch over him to ensure his own safety. Gertrude sees Claudius' attempt to keep Hamlet at home as a caring act to grow closer to his distant stepson. Hamlet submits to the request, but grows suspicious concerning the ... on Hamlet and are eventually contracted to murder their friend from school. As Hamlet becomes privy to this information, his attention focuses from avenging his father's death to saving his own life. All doubts that Hamlet onc...

• Word Count: 1415
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

... . The reality is he only speaks to appear sincere as a politician, to look good rather then actually be good: "And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry. This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. Farewell; my blessing season this in thee!"(Act 1) Polonius ... and keep an eye on him. This shows his lack of trust for anyone; he gives the facade of a confident father who trusts his son to go off on his own. In reality he lies about his trust for his son by sending a spy to watch him. Polonius further adds to...

• Word Count: 835
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... . The reality is he only speaks to appear sincere as a politician, to look good rather then actually be good: "And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry. This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. Farewell; my blessing season this in thee!" Act 1 Polonius ... and keep an eye on him. This shows his lack of trust for anyone, he gives the appearance of a confident father who trusts his son to go off on his own. In reality he lies about his trust for his son by sending a spy to watch him. His advice he gives h...

• Word Count: 1675
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

... lives, and finally the loss of a country. All of these losses are tragic within themselves but the ultimate tragedy is that each one contained within itself the seeds of its own making. The seeds of destruction are sown and grow to produce the tragedies of loss that lie scattered through the play like the flowers on Ophelia's coffin. Early on in ... schemes together with Claudius to kill Hamlet during a fencing match. The plan succeeds. Hamlet is killed by poison on Laertes's sword. Yet, in doing so, he loses his own life by his own sword: "The treacherous instrument is in thy hand, Unb...

• Word Count: 1437
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

... . The reality is he only speaks to appear sincere as a politician, to look good rather then actually be good: "And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry. This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. Farewell; my blessing season this in thee!" (Act 1, Scene ... and keep an eye on him. This shows his lack of trust for anyone. He gives the appearance of a confident father who trusts his son to go off on his own. Polonius further adds to the theme appearance verses reality by ordering Ophelia to stop seeing Haml...

• Word Count: 1306
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... by divine will or by chance. A complex personality at the play's start, Hamlet is all the more fascinating because he undergoes dramatic character development. Claudius: A usurping villain who kills his own brother, Claudius is clearly the source of the rottenness that pervades Denmark. He is a clever "monster," who is able to devise plots and plans that conceal his intentions and to ... , and he abets Claudius's efforts to control Hamlet. Polonius is capable of subterfuge, but he is also a somewhat ridiculous figure, a "doting" father who hands down well-meaning platitudes like "To thin...

• Word Count: 782
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... me the steep and thorny way to heaven, Whiles like a puffed and reckless libertine Himself the primrose path of dalliance treads, And recks not his own rede." Ophelia has an insight into Laertes" world and of his plans in Paris. He pushes her advice aside in a short and dismissive "Oh ... their advice, this concept of blind acceptance is somewhat alien to me as a modern twenty-first century female as I have the option of my own view point. In Act two, scene one Ophelia explains how she was terribly frightened by Hamlet's disheveled appearance and odd behaviour. At this point Ophelia ......

• Word Count: 1730
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

... , probably of the plague (61). He was buried in Hackney Cemetery in London, however his tomb mysteriously disappeared. Many people, including de Vere's own descendants believe that his body was moved to Westminster Abbey, among other great writers. If he is buried here, it is probable that he is buried ... a great writer, it has also been said that he became mute later in life. His high rank made it impossible for him to sign his own name to his works because it would have been an embarrassment on his family's name (The Shakespeare Mystery). At this time, public theatre was considered ....

• Word Count: 2847
• Approx Pages: 11
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... a minor character whose deceitful ways show the audience that he is one of many characters who lack sincerity and integrity. Throughout Hamlet Polonius is a hypocrite who looks out for his own interests, and betrays those he should be loyal to. These aspects of his character are exposed in his relationships with the King, Ophelia, and Laertes. Polonius is two-faced in ... son further prove his two-faced, betraying nature. Polonius sends Laertes off to France with a few words of wisdom in Act I Scene iii, lines 59-81. "This above all: to thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the...

• Word Count: 398
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

... cannot see anything wrong with Hamlet. QUOTE Each and every action children perform in school and in any place is a reflection of the quality of life they have in their own homes. Parents have a responsibility of taking care of their children and parents have the influence and impact that creates the primary personality of an individual. Relationships between father and son ... be a liar; But never doubt I love. 'O dear Ophelia, I am ill at these numbers; I have not art to reckon my groans: but that I love thee best, O most best, believe it. Adieu. Thine evermore, most dear lady, whilst...

• Word Count: 1894
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School

... . The reality is he only speaks to appear sincere as a politician, to look good rather then actually be good: "And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry. This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. Farewell; my blessing season this in thee!" Act 1 Polonius ... and keep an eye on him. This shows his lack of trust for anyone; he gives the appearance of a confident father who trusts his son to go off on his own. In reality he lies about his trust for his son by sending a spy to watch him. His advice he gives h...

• Word Count: 1677
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

... 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 saying, "This above all: to thine own self be true, / And it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man." (I, iii, 78-80). Polonius wants Laertes to be honest ... ? / Follow my mother." (V, ii, 296-298). Claudius avoided confrontation until confrontation was inevitable. Instead of talking to Hamlet or trying to ameliorate the situation, he lied his way to his own death. Yet another parent of Hamlet, th...

• Word Count: 1575
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

... of any dishonourable intentions. It is believed that it is because of his honourable convictions that he is rewarded with a vengeance that does not end with his own demise, as well as, ascendancy to the conveniently empty throne of Denmark. Secondly, there is Laertes, son of Polonius. Laertes seeks out revenge using lex ... of course, if Hamlet will forgive him, which he does. "Exchange forgiveness with me, noble Hamlet: Mine and my father's death come not upon thee, Nor thine on me."" -- (V.ii.330 "333) So, when the specifics of the situation arise, we find Laertes is more victim than vi...

• Word Count: 2387
• Approx Pages: 10
• Grade Level: High School

... Polonius. When Laeretes is informed of his fathers death, his most predictable emotion arises, revenge. Claudius uses his anger to strengthen the flame of revenge, for the benefit of his own plan to get rid of Hamlet. After Claudious has explained who was Polonius's assassin, he intrigues Laertes whether he really means to avenge his fathers death, or is he "like ... this journey has strengthened his character. As Laertes is near death, he pleads Hamlet to " forgive with [him], Noble Hamlet/[his] and [his] fathers death come not upon thee,/ Nor thine on [him]"(5.2.324-326). Once again, ...

• Word Count: 993
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... why the corpse is being given a "Christian Burial." The "clowns" chatter amongst each other about the situation, "Is she to be buried in Christian burial when / she willfully seeks her own salvation? / I tell thee she is, therefore make her grave / straight. The crowner hath sate on her and finds it Christian burial" (5.1.1-5). The chit-chat about something that meant so much ... asks, "Whose / grave's this, sirrah" (5.1.117-118)? The "Clowns" immediate response is, "Mine sir" (5.1.19). Shakespeare now chose to throw in a pun, Hamlet and the "Clown" continue, " I think it be thine indee...

• Word Count: 1229
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School