Polonius enters, scolds his son for taking so long, then immediately starts giving him long-winded advice about how to act: be sociable, but not vulgar; do not lend or borrow money; to your own self be true, and on and on… Finally, he lets Laertes leave. Polonius asks Ophelia what she was talking about with Laertes.
Q. Why does Polonius give Laertes advice?
In act 1, scene 3, Laertes is permitted to return to France to continue his education and his father, Polonius, offers him advice in the form of lengthy platitudes in hopes that Laertes will be successful and conduct himself in a decorous manner while he is out of the country.
Table of Contents
- Q. Why does Polonius give Laertes advice?
- Q. What is ironic about Polonius attempt to learn about Laertes?
- Q. How does Polonius come across in the advice he gives to Laertes and then to Ophelia?
- Q. How does Ophelia deal with Laertes warnings?
- Q. What does Laertes reveal in his speech?
- Q. What is Laertes advice to Ophelia Act 1?
- Q. What message do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern carry to the king?
Q. What is ironic about Polonius attempt to learn about Laertes?
What is ironic about Polonius’ attempt to learn about Laertes’ life in Paris? If Reynaldo follows Polonius’ instructions, he will essentially ruin Laertes’ reputation while trying to gather information.
Q. How does Polonius come across in the advice he gives to Laertes and then to Ophelia?
Polonius sternly echoes Laertes’ advice and forbids Ophelia to associate with Hamlet anymore. He tells her that Hamlet has deceived her in swearing his love and that she should see through his false vows and rebuff his affections. Ophelia pledges to obey.
Q. How does Ophelia deal with Laertes warnings?
How does Ophelia deal with Laertes warnings?. Ophelia says that she will listen to Laertes advice but tells him that he needs to be responsible himself. Polonius tells Laertes to choose his friends wisely, to listen to others opinions, to be careful how he spends his money, and to be true to himself.
Q. What does Laertes reveal in his speech?
He explains that, to Hamlet, she can never be anything more than a plaything. Hamlet, Laertes tells Ophelia, is of a higher rank than she and cannot choose with whom he will spend his life. To protect her heart and to safeguard her honor, Laertes asserts that Ophelia should reject Prince Hamlet before he deflowers her.
Q. What is Laertes advice to Ophelia Act 1?
Laertes’ advice to Ophelia about Hamlet is that she should stay far away from him. He reminds her that she is the mere daughter of the King’s advisor and that he is the Prince. She should not take his advances seriously because he is using her.
Q. What message do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern carry to the king?
Terms in this set (11) What message do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern carry to the King and Queen? What is their response? They tell them Hamlet wishes the King and Queen to see a play that night.
