Polonius

Question 1

Critic Vardy suggests Polonius is “ a symbol for…

Answer 1

…the rottenness and corruption at the heart of the state”

Question 2

Critic Hartwig thinks polonius is a “Machiavellian schemer who….

Answer 2

… takes plotting to absurd proportions”

Question 3

How can polonius seen to be a controlling and overprotective father in his advice to Laertes

Answer 3

“Give thy thoughts no tongue”
“Be thou familiar but by no means vulgar”
“Give every man thy ear but few thy voice”

Question 4

Give examples of the degrading language used in act 1 scene 3 between polonius and Ophelia which present her as young, powerless and impressionable

Answer 4

“You speak like a green girl”
“Think yourself a baby” “springs Yk catch woodcocks” > hunting imagery positioning Ophelia as prey > stupid, innocent
Her only response > “I shall obey my lord”