Question

In his advice for his daughter, Polonius echoes the concerns of Laertes, while still having a little fun with word-play. Look at Polonius’ lines near the end of the scene that begin, "Marry, I will teach you!" Examine and explain the three different ways Polonius gives meaning to the word "tender/tenders" in this passage.

Answer 1

Because Ophelia has referred to Hamlet's flirtations as "tenders," her father uses that meaning first. He went on to use the word "tender" as a verb, meaning to offer as payment. Finally, he uses "tender" as a synonym for "make" in the last line, meaning she'll make him look like a fool if his daughter is romantically used and dumped by the prince.