Monday, October 25, 2010
Page 830 #4
The basis for both Laertes's and Polonius's objections to Ophelia's relationship with Hamlet is based on Hamlet's status. Both of them are aware that despite Hamlet's feelings, he has certain obligations to the throne, so marriage does not necessarily rely on love. They do not want Ophelia to fall in love with a man who probably wont be able to fallow through with his commitment due to the higher order of society. Polonius's argument seems less fair because it as if he is giving too much advice and his advice is too commanding in nature. Laeretes's advice is more of a warning than a command. Their treatment of Ophelia in this scene reveals the controlling nature of the characters and makes sense in the context of Polonius hiring spies to watch his children. It also expresses the idea that men are superior to women in the context of the play and women are almost submissive to the men. Class has a big role in their argument, that they both say that because Hamlet is part of the royal family, his loyalty is questionable.
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