Question

In one well-developed paragraph, contrast the advice given to Ophelia by Polonius and Laertes. Each counsels Ophelia against a relationship with Hamlet, but utilizes a different approach, citing different examples of why the relationship should not go forward. Explain.

Answer 1

The advice that Ophelia receives from her brother Laertes is extremely different from the advice her father Polonius gives her. Laertes gently reminds Ophelia that Hamlet might really love her, but since he is in line for the throne he and might not actually be able to choose his wife for himself. He warns her to keep her affection "Out of the shot and danger of desire," meaning to not give in to her desires, otherwise she might ruin herself for future potential husbands. Polonius' advice is a little bit more aggressive. He scolds Ophelia for giving Hamlet too much attention, and says that there is no way Hamlet actually loves her. He says that his vows she "must not take for fire", meaning she should not take his words for true passion. The overall difference between Laertes and Polonius is that Laertes is much gentler, and believes Hamlet might actually have feelings for her right now, and Polonius is putting more blame on Ophelia, saying there is no way Hamlet actually likes her.