Contrast Between Kipling And Polonius In Hamlet

In the text’s, Polonius in Hamlet by William Shakespeare and “If” by Rudyard Kipling, both advise their son’s on what it takes to become a successful man. The speakers of “If” contain a multitude of characteristics deemed essential to the ideal man. In particular, a man must be humble, patient, respectful, honest and dependable. How his son must continue to have faith in himself when others doubt him. Whereas Polonius in Hamlet, has the kind of tone where he advises his son the same way, but at the same time, doesn’t want his son to embarrass him. For example, keep your thoughts to yourself. Be friendly but not overly friendly. The speakers of “If” and Polonius’ advice present vastly different content, purpose and tone due to Polonius’ concern

with status and others’ opinions.

In the text of “If”, the speaker wants his son with life’s challenges and how to deal with them, so he can become a man. How to deal with being confident about the decisions you make and taking responsibility for those decisions. That if others who are unable to take responsibility and react negatively, you do not reduce to their level of madness. However, when Polonius lectures Laertes, for the most part it results in a lot of juxtaposition. For example, be friendly, but not overly friendly. Don't get in fights, but if you do, make sure you win them. Listen well, don't talk as much. Buy nice clothes but don't be overly dressed up. There are many conditions and rules that apply to this speech to become a man.

Even though both texts consist of similar themes, the purpose and tones they are expressed in, are very different. The speaker in “If” has more of a heartfelt tone when it comes to advising his son of what it takes to be a man. He teaches him ways on how not to give up and not to listen about what others say. The speaker wants his son to be a man, at the best of his ability. However, Polonius’ advice to his son is more in a selfish tone, of what it takes to be a man. Polonius is very self-centered and egoistic when he lecture his son. Rather than caring more about teaching Laertes, he tells him ways of not to embarrass himself and his family.

Even though both text’s have a different way the speaker’s tone is expressed to their son, they both still have the same theme: for their son’s to become men. At the end of the day, they both really care that their son’s can become successful men. Yes, they have different expectations on how they want them to get their, but they still have the same idea of them being successful men. We know that the speaker in “If” has more heartfelt tone when he teaches his son on what it takes to become and that the Polonius has more of selfish tone, on the way he tells his son to become a man. Also, we know that the speaker in “If” doesn’t mind if his son fails on his pathway, but Polonius does and wants his to gradually perfect on his. However, both speakers, are genuinely giving their blessing so they can be men.

After reading both texts and discussing it, we know the differences and similarities of both.

The speakers of “If” and Polonius’ advice present vastly different content, purpose and tone due to Polonius’ concern with status and others’ opinions.