This essay analyses Hamlet to prove that Lord Polonius is a manipulative character based on the following actions: using Reynaldo to obtain information from Laertes, interrupting an actor to declare that a particular speech is extremely long, and instructing Ophelia to spy on Prince Hamlet despite the risk involved.This essay analyses
How does Polonius manipulate Hamlet?
He immediately seeks the King in order to legitimate his accusations concerning Hamlet. By doing this, not only does Polonius gain power over Hamlet, but also with the King himself. Polonius tries to control the way Hamlet is seen around the court so as to rise in stature himself.
How does Polonius manipulate Claudius?
Polonius dutifully serves for King Claudius,he is willing to use his own daughter to spy on Hamlet. Later Polonius voluntarily devoted himself to eavesdrop on the conversation between Hamlet and the Queen. However, he has only put himself in danger and eventually is slain by Hamlet.
Who is manipulative in Hamlet?
King Claudius
King Claudius, as seen in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, is both intelligent and well-spoken, two traits that, put together, complement his manipulative and dangerous nature. In fact though, it is his conscience that makes Claudius such a complex villain.
What kind of person was Polonius?
Polonius is a proud and concerned father. In his first line he tells us he hesitates to let his son Laertes go abroad, and he draws out his last meeting with Laertes because he’s reluctant to see him go. In the same scene, Polonius advises his daughter Ophelia to avoid Hamlet because he’s worried about her.
How does Polonius deceive?
3) Again Polonius deceives Hamlet when he hides behind the arras to spy on Hamlet’s conversation with his mother (3.3. 28). This time, however, Polonius pays for his deceit with his life, as Hamlet pierces him through the curtain, believing he is Claudius.
How can Polonius best be described?
Generally regarded as wrong in every judgment he makes over the course of the play, Polonius is described by William Hazlitt as a “sincere” father, but also “a busy-body, [who] is accordingly officious, garrulous, and impertinent”.
Who is manipulated in Macbeth?
The witches manipulate Macbeth into believing he will be king. Lady Macbeth manipulates Macbeth into helping her with her scheme for the throne. Together, the couple manipulate Duncan into staying in their home so that they can murder him and take his throne.
How does Polonius exploit Ophelia?
He robs Ophelia not only of her bodily autonomy but also controls her sexuality for his self-interests. With Claudius’ approval, Polonius uses Ophelia as bait to survey Hamlet’s madness without considering her feelings on the matter.
What is Polonius tragic flaw?
Some may argue that Polonius deserves his fate because of his deceitfulness in dealing with Hamlet while he is mad; but Ophelia is entirely manipulated and used, by Hamlet and the king, for their own selfish reasons. Hamlet uses her to convince his family he is mad.
Is Polonius a good father to Ophelia?
In his tragic play, Hamlet, William Shakespeare uses Ophelia to display to us the devoted love of a parent, and how the loss of a parent can lead to a sickness of the mind. Polonius was a devoted father to Ophelia, he loves her with all of his heart.
Who is a master manipulator?
What is a master manipulator? Not everyone who is manipulative is a master manipulator. These are the people who excel at engaging in calculated behavior to advance their own endgame. They are what is known as Machiavellians or “High Machs.”
Who is the most Machiavellian character in Hamlet?
In Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, a perfect example of such a character is displayed in Claudius, the New King of Denmark. Claudius performs many deceptive and horrifying acts, which make him the quintessential Machiavellian character.
How does Polonius sum up Hamlet’s behavior?
Polonius then tells Gertrude and Claudius that he thinks Hamlet’s behavior is due to his feelings for Ophelia. They hatch a plan to figure out what’s really going on: Polonius will send Ophelia to talk to the mad Hamlet and prove once and for all that he’s crazy with love. Hamlet then enters, mad as ever.
How does killing Polonius affect Hamlet?
Through the death of Polonius, Hamlet has committed the very crime which he was seeking to punish; the son of a father murdered has himself murdered a father. Retribution will call up against him a son, at whose hands he will meet his fate.
What is Polonius’s explanation for Hamlet’s strange behavior?
Polonius believes that Hamlet’s odd behaviour is because Ophelia has rejected him. Polonius decides to tell King Claudius the reason for Hamlet’s recently odd behaviour. This scene occurs several weeks after the action of Act I.
What does Polonius assume is the cause of Hamlet’s behavior?
What does Polonius think is the cause of Hamlet’s madness? He thinks that Hamlet is upset about Ophelia rejecting him because he is so in love with her.
How is Polonius arrogant?
Polonius is indeed arrogant and vain. For example, he considers his own judgment to be infallible: “Hath there been such a time – I’d fain know that – That I have positively said ‘Tis so’, When it proved otherwise?” (2.2. 163-165).
What is Polonius tragic flaw?
Some may argue that Polonius deserves his fate because of his deceitfulness in dealing with Hamlet while he is mad; but Ophelia is entirely manipulated and used, by Hamlet and the king, for their own selfish reasons. Hamlet uses her to convince his family he is mad.