Polonius Tragedy In Hamlet

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Shakespeare’s Hamlet is a tale of betrayal and revenge, attrition and tragedy. One sees this theme throughout the interactions between each character. While the play’s main tragedy is the death of King Hamlet at the hand of his brother Claudius, the accidental death of Polonius truly initiates the demise of the others. In a tragedy, audiences often seek someone to hold responsible. Polonius is a trusted advisor, Lord Chamberlain, for the king and queen. He has one son and one daughter. His son, Laertes, is a classmate and friend of Prince Hamlet. His daughter, Ophelia, holds the prince’s heart and loves his as well. An old, foolish man whose trite and meddlesome personality cost him his life, Polonius is easily the most loathsome character …show more content…

Fretful and full of despair, she enters after having a disconcerting encounter with Hamlet. She explains to her father Hamlet’s actions and his reply, “Come, go we to the king: This must be known… being kept close, might move [more] grief to hide than hate to utter…” introduces his affiliations with the king and queen (2.1.129-131). Polonius is not comforting or compassionate; though it is clear, he has manipulated his daughter Ophelia into rejecting her love for Prince Hamlet. He is more concerned with running to the king than his daughter’s comfort or …show more content…

After sharing his opinions of the prince with the king and queen, he engages Hamlet and asks if he knows him. Hamlet acknowledges Polonius and implies he is a fishmonger. Thus, Polonius falls victim of Hamlet’s sarcasm and witty double entendres, inferring he is a pimp (Hacht, 198). This comment goes unnoticed by the lord, as he is more concerned with the recognition of his title and the idea that Hamlet’s insanity is due to his love of Ophelia.
Polonius’ trite and meddlesome behavior leads to his death. Explaining that Hamlet is heading to see the queen, Polonius expresses to the king his intentions to listen in on the queen’s scolding of Hamlet. He goes to Queen Gertrude’s room,

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