Hamlet

Question:

Answers:

1. 
   sullymonster Teacher
   Community / Jr. College

   Polonius is reacting to Ophelia's summary of her encounter with Hamlet.  He feels, on the surface, that Hamlet is behaving in a violent and unpredictable manner as a result of his "ectasy of love".  Polonius personifies love here, giving it property to exert will over those it infects.  His speech foreshadows the actions that Hamlet will take, as his love for his father will "lead the will to desparate undertakings."

   Sources:

   http://www.enotes.com/hamlet

   Rate answer:

    

   • Flag as inappropriate

   Posted by sullymonster on Tuesday October 23, 2007 at 12:10 PM
   
   

2. 
   bmadnick Teacher
   High School - 11th Grade

   Ophelia tells Polonius that Hamlet has accosted her, grabbing and holding her, but not speaking to her. Polonius responds by saying that Hamlet's moodiness of late must be caused by Hamlet's love for Ophelia, admitting that he had perhaps been wrong about Hamlet before. He wants Ophelia to go with him to the king so they can tell Claudius what happened and what they think is wrong with Hamlet.

   This scene is important for several reasons. It shows that Hamlet has made good on his promise to Horatio to act like a madman, but part of Hamlet's behavior may be real distress due to Ophelia's rejection of Hamlet. This scene also shows Ophelia as the dutiful daughter, doing what her father has told her. This scene also leads to some plot developments in the next few scenes, such as Hamlet's confrontation with Gertrude and Ophelia.

   Sources:

   http://www.enotes.com/hamlet

   Rate answer:

    

   • Flag as inappropriate

   Posted by bmadnick on Tuesday October 23, 2007 at 12:25 PM
   
   

You can now ask questions directly from Facebook, add the Ask a Teacher App from eNotes!