“This above all: to thine own self be true.” Scene Three “This above all: to thine own self be true.”

Advice Laertes: For Hamlet, and the trifling of his favor, / Hold it a fashion and a toy in blood, / A violet in the youth of primy nature, / Forward, not permanent, sweet, not lasting, / The perfume and suppliance of a minute, / No more. What’s the subject of his advice?

Advice Laertes: For Hamlet, and the trifling of his favor, / Hold it a fashion and a toy in blood, / A violet in the youth of primy nature, / Forward, not permanent, sweet, not lasting, / The perfume and suppliance of a minute, / No more. Laertes is talking about Hamlet’s affection toward Ophelia.

Advice Laertes: For Hamlet, and the trifling of his favor, / Hold it a fashion and a toy in blood, / A violet in the youth of primy nature, / Forward, not permanent, sweet, not lasting, / The perfume and suppliance of a minute, / No more. What is his advice for Ophelia in regards to Hamlet’s affection for her?

Advice Laertes: For Hamlet, and the trifling of his favor, / Hold it a fashion and a toy in blood, / A violet in the youth of primy nature, / Forward, not permanent, sweet, not lasting, / The perfume and suppliance of a minute, / No more. This is temporary. Don’t let it go on too long.

Advice Laertes: Perhaps he loves you now, / And now no soil nor cautel doth besmirch / The virtue of his will; What is the obvious word to follow this sentiment? BUT. Meaning, yes, it’s possible he loves you now but now is not forever. His will may turn from virtuous (good) to…

Advice Laertes: Then weigh what loss your honor may sustain / If with too credent ear you list his songs / Or lose your heart or your chaste treasure open / To his unmastered importunity. If you are gullible and listen to him, you will lose your honor.

Advice Laertes: Fear it, Ophelia; fear it, my dear sister…Be wary, then; best safety lies in fear.

Good Advice? Laertes points out a lot of important aspects about the relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia: Hamlet has the power here as the Prince. She has none. They are young and therefore are likely to make more mistakes. Flirting doesn’t equal love and she should be careful to weigh the pros and cons.

Ophelia Does she accept his advice? What is her response? I shall the effect of this good lesson keep. So, yes. “But, good my brother, / Do not as some ungracious pastors do, / Show me the steep and thorny way to heaven, / Whiles, like a puffed and reckless libertine, / Himself the primrose path of dalliance treads / And recks not his own rede.”

Characterization: Laertes Dialogue Physical Traits Motivations Movements/actions What others say about him Internal Thoughts

Characterization: Laertes Dialogue Physical Traits Motivations Movements/actions What others say about him Internal Thoughts

ENTER POLONIUS Polonius: Yet here, Laertes? Aboard, aboard, for shame! / The wind sits in the shoulder of your sail, And you are stayed for. There, my blessing with thee. Get out of here! You’re all set to go and yet you’re still here. And these few precepts in thy memory / Look thou character. I HAVE SOME GOOD ADVICE FOR YOU. I HOPE YOU ARE READY.

Advice From Polonius What is the general tone of the speech? Paraphrase Polonius’ first sentence of advice. What should Laertes make his top priority? What does Polonius advice about friendship? What is his advice about conflicts? How should Laertes dress and why? Why should Laertes avoid both borrowing and lending?

TO THINE OWN SELF BE TRUE. Polonius WHY IS THIS HUMOROUS? WHAT IS THE IRONY?

Advice From Polonius Translation: You are young and stupid. Don’t believe anything Hamlet says. Stop talking to him immediately. Ophelia: I shall obey, my lord. Did Ophelia really want to talk to Polonius about Hamlet? Whose advice was she more receptive to?

Conflicts The main focus here is Hamlet’s feelings for Ophelia. Internal conflict? External conflict?

Themes/Motifs Supernatural Element Religion Ears/Hearing Disease/Decay Revenge Mortality Appearance vs Reality Sanity vs Madness Family

Themes/Motifs Supernatural Element Religion Ears/Hearing Disease/Decay Revenge Mortality Appearance vs Reality Sanity vs Madness Family