Analysis Of Polonius In Hamlet

The explicit behaviors and reactions of characters within a dramatic tragedy serve not only to augment the play’s action and plot, but also to underscore the distinct qualities of each persona. William Shakespeare, in particular, establishes the discrepancies in personality among the characters of Hamlet through clear conditions that markedly portray the motives and ambitions of even minor characters. By combining complex attitudes and manners, Shakespeare develops immensely multifaceted individuals who present variety as well as conflict for the piece as a whole. Specifically, an evaluation of the character of Polonius verifies his duplicitous demeanor and elucidates the means by which Shakespeare allows the Polonius to divulge his true nature

Joseph Rosenblum, another literary critic, examines Polonius’ behaviors in the presence of the royal family by noting, “Polonius is fond of the sound of his own voice, making lengthy addresses, one of which provokes Gertrude to tell him, ‘More matter with less art’ (2.2.95), but even this royal request cannot make him come to the point” (Rosenblum). Rosenblum’s evaluation of Polonius depicts the interference that the lord chamberlain’s pompous deportment poses to his royal duties, contributing to the acknowledgment of Polonius’ true personality as a self-interested and egocentric character. An additional paradigm that serves to augment Polonius’ portrayal as a supercilious individual and devoted follower of King Claudius involves his statement to the king concerning Laertes’, Polonius’ son’s, departure for Paris, “He hath, my lord, wrung from me my slow leave / By laboursome petition, and at last / Upon his will I seal’d my hard consent: / I do beseech you, give him leave to go” (Shakespeare 1596). By involving the powerful King Claudius in his personal family affairs, Polonius establishes his closeness with the monarch while simultaneously asserting his inclusion within the royal

Polonius initiates a crusade against Hamlet’s rapport with Ophelia, Polonius’ daughter, persuading the king and queen to conduct an investigation with the aim to discover Hamlet’s distraught mental condition as a result of his rejection from Ophelia. As Charles Boyce claims, Polonius is a character who “loves intrigue and resorts to espionage whenever possible” (Boyce), suggesting his conniving and scheming tactics in aiming to emerge as the King’s advisor. Polonius’ philosophies about Hamlet’s psychological state, lacking both substantial evidence and conviction, demonstrate his desperate attempts to associate himself with the king and remain an imperative member of the court. Additionally, within the tragedy, the effects of Polonius’ lies and schemes appear in other characters’ opinions of him, specifically epitomized when Hamlet calls the aging man a “wretched, rash, intruding fool” (Shakespeare 1621) for spying on Hamlet’s discussion with Gertrude and involving himself in matters that are outside of his occupational parameters. Stimpson illustrates this idea by describing Polonius’ character and values in the context of his deceitful actions with Hamlet’s family matter, “he [Polonius] must be a man who knows more about people than they know about him. He accomplishes what he must accomplish--management of a small but tricky political