Hamlet Act 1 scene 3 Notes

1. Laertes’ Advice to Ophelia: Reveals his own character and behaviour Don’t believe Hamlet’s words of love Be careful

What This Reveals About Laertes: Doesn’t like Hamlet Doesn’t give Ophelia much credit Doesn’t believe she can judge the situation and handle it well In telling Ophelia to remember the advice he gave, he reveals his own weakness

2. Polonius’ Advice to Laertes: When he goes to France, make new friends, but keep old friends Be friendly, not rude Don’t get into fights, but if you do, win Listen to people, but don’t give your opinion Dress nicely Be yourself

What Polonius’ Advice Reveals About his own Character: Very concerned about surface image, reputation, not ruining the family name Polonius tells his son how to act, then tells him to be himself – a contradiction

3. Polonius’ Advice to Ophelia Don’t believe Hamlet’s words of love Says she is green and if she not careful, she could get pregnant

What Polonius’ Advice Reveals About Him: He does not like Hamlet Wonders why Hamlet, who is royalty would love Ophelia Doesn’t give Ophelia much credit and probably makes her feel unsure of herself because he puts her down

The Relationships in this Scene: Based on suspicion and mistrust Taught by Polonius and shared by Laertes These two seem unworthy compared to Hamlet’s loyal affection

Character Contrasts: Hamlet contrasts Laertes Gertrude contrasts Ophelia: while Gertrude is truly fickle, Ophelia is not

Irony and Appearances: Ophelia will, however, appear fickle to Hamlet when she tries to obey her father’s command to break it off with Hamlet. She is simply trying to do what is expected of her.