Advice to Laertes from Hamlet by William Shakespeare versus Advice to a Young Man by Benjamin Franklin

722 Words2 Pages

Advice to Laertes from Hamlet by William Shakespeare versus Advice to a Young Man by Benjamin Franklin

"I told you so!" This is what my mom would say after giving me advice,

and me not taking her advice. It was so eerie how my mom was always right,

like she knew exactly was going to happen. I'm sure that everyone has gotten

advice at least once in their lifetime, especially from their parents. Elders usually

know what's best for you because they've been through it all themselves at one

time in their lives. That is what "Advice to Laertes" and "Advice to a Young man"

is all about, advice being given from an elder to an inexperienced younger

person. The comparative and contrasting aspects is not immense, but many

points were made on living a successful life.

In "Advice to Laertes," Polonius gives lots of good advice on how to have

a successful life. "...Look thou character. Give thy thoughts no tongue, Nor any

unproportioned thought his act. Be thou familiar, but by no means vulgar. " What

Polonius means by this statement is to pay attention to your true self. Also,

before speaking, actually think about what you are going to say. I know I've

made many mistakes in speaking before thinking. I use to make rude

comments like, "Man your really dumb." At least I've learned, to think before

speaking, like Polonius says to Laertes. Polonius advises to be friendly to

others, but not too friendly to people of higher class. He also gives advice on

friends, to know who your friends are, and always keep them close to you. Much

of our times are spent with friends, but don't spend too much time and money on

entertainment, like betting, drinking, etc.. When getting into quarrel, aviod them,

but if you c...

... middle of paper ...

...and how

Polonius' advice will help in life, but not Benjamin Franklin's words. Benjamin

Franklin states, "A single Man has not nearly the Value he would have in the

State of Union. He is an incomplete Animal. He resembles the odd Half of a

pair of Scissors." I am not a man, and I do not feel incomplete without a

significant other, for now that is.

To find happiness, follow the words of those who are wiser then you, for they know

best. If you don't want to hear the nagging words from a wise one saying, "I told you so,"

take to heart to what they say. I've learned a great deal from Shakespeare and Benjamin

Franklin and I hope you did so too. From the words of Polonius, "Farewell. My blessing

seaon this in thee!"

Bibliography:

Advice to Laertes, From Hamlet, William Shakespeare

Advice to a Young Man, Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)

Open Document