Question

In the opening scene of Act 2, how does Polonius want Reynaldo to check on Laertes's conduct? What does this instruction suggest about Polonius's character

Answer 1

In the opening scene of Act II of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”, Polonius wants for Reynaldo to check Laertes’ conduct by analyzing other people’s reactions to made up stories about Laertes’ being a free spirit. He wants to know if he is the same in Paris as he is in Denmark and the most sincere and objective information he would get from people agreeing or disagreeing with the made up story.

This instruction in Act II suggests that Polonius's character is a conniving, distrustful and self-observed. He is so distrustful of his own son that he is conspiring to do immoral, or even harmful gossiping just to assure himself that Laertes won’t dishonor his reputation. His conniving and self-observed nature would bring death upon his daughter and him himslef.