What does Polonius look like?

How is Polonius 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”.

What is Polonius appearance?

Polonius gives the appearance of being a kind and loving father who adores and trust his son but in reality he is a liar. He does not trust his son and shows this by sending a spy to watch his every move. The advice he so lovingly gives Laertes is all an act so he looks like a loving father.

How would you describe Polonius in Hamlet?

Described as:



Self-assured, cynical, self-centred, flatterer, long-winded, sly, devious, false, shrewd, immoral, sermonise, meddling, political, arrogant, despicable, vain, hypocritical, manipulative, verbose, insincere, self-absorbed.

How is Polonius presented?

Shakespeare presents him as a man whose desire to serve the King is rooted as much in vanity and a sense of his own importance as in duty. The play shows parents controlling their children’s lives. Like the Ghost, Polonius is an authoritarian father who demands unconditional obedience.

What are Polonius famous last words?

From the obvious—“O, I am slain” (Polonius, Hamlet)—to the sentimental—“Thus with a kiss I die” (Romeo, Romeo and Juliet)—to the vengeful—“I’ll be revenged on the whole pack of you” (Malvolio, Twelfth Night)—Shakespeare gave every character on his stage a send-off to be remembered.

Who killed Polonius in Hamlet?

When Hamlet enters, he’s in such a rage that Gertrude cries for help. Hearing this, Polonius echoes her cries for help, revealing his hiding place in the process. Hamlet, thinking that Polonius is actually Claudius, stabs blindly through the curtain, killing Polonius on the spot.

Does Polonius have a beard?

Lines suggest he has a gray beard, and is generally considered to be an old man.

Where is the body of Polonius?

Finally, Hamlet reveals that Polonius’s body is under the stairs near the castle lobby, and the king dispatches his attendants to look there. The king tells Hamlet that he must leave at once for England, and Hamlet enthusiastically agrees.

Is Polonius Ophelia’s father?

Polonius is a counsellor to the new king and queen. He is Ophelia and Laertes’ father. Laertes is the only son of Polonius and brother of Ophelia. He leaves Denmark to study in Paris.

What is Polonius most famous line?

(II. ii.) Polonius has a tendency to make pompous, aphoristic pronouncements, and his claim that “brevity is the soul of wit” ranks among his most famous.

Is Polonius a narcissist?

While there certainly is evidence that Polonius has schizophrenic tendencies, many of these cases seem much more typical of a narcissistic personality disorder.

Is Polonius funny?

Played for the potential humour in the text, with the emphasis on his long-windedness and sycophantic behaviour, he is hilarious. The conversations between Polonius and Hamlet can make the play almost comic.

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.

What are three adjectives to describe Polonius’s personality?

Three adjectives that describe Polonius are nosy, devious, and sly.

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).

Is Polonius a narcissist?

While there certainly is evidence that Polonius has schizophrenic tendencies, many of these cases seem much more typical of a narcissistic personality disorder.

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.

Does Polonius have a beard?

Lines suggest he has a gray beard, and is generally considered to be an old man.