Comparing Polonius In Hamlet And The Princess Bride

William Shakespeare once said, “God has given you one face, and you make yourself another”. Polonius from the play Hamlet, written by Shakespeare is like Vizzini from the William Goldman book The Princess Bride because both characters are vain, hypocritical, and culpable.

Polonius cares more about King Claudius opinion of him and his opinions of matters, rather than his daughter, Ophelia’s feelings. This can be found in act two scene two of Hamlet, “At such a time I’ll loose my daughter to him, be you and I behind an arras then; Mark the encounter”. Instead of respecting Ophelia’s feelings toward Prince Hamlet, he uses her feelings for his benefit instead to gain a higher place beside King Claudius. Vizzini from The Princess Bride shows his vanity through is intellect. During the battle of wits to the death, Vizzini believes his is the most intelligent between Wesley and himself, Vizzini uses large words to sound superior and to intimidate Wesley. However, for both Polonius and Vizzini their vanity was a part in their downfall and death.

Polonius says “Thou canst not be false to any man”, this insinuates not to lie to anyone, however, Polonius does the exact opposite of his advice by lying to Prince Hamlet. Polonius leads Prince Hamlet to believe he is on his side, however, Polonius is collaborating and scheming with King Claudius behind Prince Hamlets back. From The Princess Bride, Vizzini tells the two men traveling with him not to kill the man following them, however, just leave him. But, during the battle of wit to the death, Vizzini’s entire objective is to kill the man following him,