The Two-Faced Character Polonius Essay - 868 Words

Polonius played a vital role in Hamlet even though he was not one of the main characters. He continued to reinforce the theme of corruption and displayed the social and ethical collapse of Denmark. His deceitful actions show the reader that he is one of dishonesty and chicanery. In the play, Polonius was portrayed as someone who is a deceiver and pretender that betrays people he is supposed to be devoted to; and who only cares about things that will benefit him. These characteristics of Polonius are seen through his interactions with Ophelia, Hamlet, Laertes, Reynaldo and the King. Polonius can be depicted as two faced. This is evident with his interactions with the King. Polonius was loyal and faithful to King Hamlet, Gertrude, and†¦show more content†¦He does not care about her emotions, as he shows no comfort after heartbreaking confrontation with Hamlet. He also uses Ophelia to test Hamlets sanity for the benefit of himself and King Claudius. Moreover, Polonius has Laertes spied on. He convinces himself that it is righteous. Yet, he is controlling the situation for the good of himself. Polonius had an evil plot. Polonius always spies on others to gain secret and private information. Polonius and Claudius together, work against Hamlet, and try to verify his sanity. Polonius performs as if he would do anything that Claudius asks of him, or anything that satisfies Claudius. Polonius willingly uses his daughter to assist Claudius in their plot against Hamlet. He even plans to ruin his son Laertes’ reputation and drive him from Denmark. Despite Polonius’ death, his unethical ways are still evident through Claudius’s actions. Claudius requests that Laertes fight with Hamlet, and he tries to poison him. Polonius shows the need to manipulate a situation regardless if it concerns him or not. This is especially seen through the relationship with his children. Without even knowing the full situation, Polonius has jumped into trying toShow MoreRelatedWilliam Shakespeare s Hamlet - The Tale Of A Juvenile Prince1197 Words   |  5 Pagesthroughout this tribulation is appearance versus reality. The characters introduced throughout the play, appear to be caring and honest, but in reality are nothing but evil. They deceitfully hide behind two-faced mask of integrity. Four main unfaithful characters which are found to be disguised as right-minded are Polonius, Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, and the freshly thrown taking King, Claudius. The impression presented by these characters at the start, are ones of truth, honor, caring and they areRead MoreThe, No Scene Of Violence Exists For Its Own Sake1350 Words   |  6 Pagesthe play. In any great work of literature, each action and thought should contribute to the underlying meaning of the entire work. 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Shakespeare uses the relationship between father and son to develop the complexity of plotting and carrying out theRead MorePresentation of Hamlet in Act 2 Scene 2 and 3 in William Shakespeares Hamlet663 Words   |  3 Pagesrevenge that were written at the start of the seventeenth century. Throughout the play, Hamlet is shown as being a planner and this is highlighted with his organisation of the dumb show and the play within a play in act three, scene two. He gives the players clear instructions as to the performance of the play, an adaptation of The murder of Gonzago which Hamlet uses to try to prompt a reaction from his Uncle, the king. At the end of the performance, Hamlet sees the