Free Hamlet Essays: Polonius Character Analysis

Although initially perceived as a devoted father and beneficial counsellor, Polonius’s true character is swiftly revealed as inherently unethical, establishing the adverse effects of his actions upon his own self. To begin, Polonius utilizes the hesitant Reynaldo as an informer to gather intelligence of his son’s affairs. His great desire for self-progression overcomes reasoning upon entrusting Reynaldo “[through] indirections [to] find directions out” (II, i, 66). Polonius’s ethical paralysis leads him towards familial betrayal in order to gain relevance in the eyes of the new king and such faithlessness reveals his lack of parental understanding and genuine concern. Thus, his general social and moral ineptitude is the key factor in his death

as he continually interferes within affairs that do not require his action. Similarly, Polonius exerts great dominance over his daughter Ophelia and regards her a pawn to be handled for personal interest in order to observe Hamlet’s antic disposition. His great desire to control circumstances and individuals override any rectitude, upon his dictation that “[I will] loose my daughter to [Hamlet]” (II, ii, 162). Such forthright authority he holds over her foreshadows his demise as he cannot withhold from commanding his children nor his morality.

Furthermore, by regulating Ophelia’s conduct in such a manner, he subconsciously makes her dependent upon him, ensuring her complete obedience and reliance allowing her to bend to his own will, ensuring her mental instability. Finally, Polonius vehemently claims that Hamlet’s antic disposition is a result of his infatuation with Ophelia. His ego overwhelms the audience upon his claim that “The origin and commencement of [Hamlet’s] grief | Sprung from neglected love” even upon Claudius’s dismissal of such a notion (III, i, 176-178). Unable to accept the possibility of his ineptitude, Polonius further pursues the source of Hamlet’s temperament. Thus, his moral stagnation leads to his physical downfall for the sole purpose of proving his claim and rectifying his wrong judgement. In conclusion, Polonius’s unethical approach to individuals and situations only guarantees his death as he is unable to resist his innate psyche and thus blindly answers to causes beyond his comprehension and required efforts. As his nature was corrupt, beyond the ideals of others, Polonius’s inherent ideologies lead him to adverse effects upon his own

well-being.