Polonius seems very insightful when it comes to his children.
However, this is only true on the surface, for underneath it is much different.
Polonius sends Reynaldo to basically spy on his son. Polonius is contradicting
of himself when he instructs Reynaldo to ask around about Laertes yet “observe
[Laertes’] inclination in [himself]” (2.1.78). This parenting method is strange
on current standards. If he truly desired to find out how his son was doing, he
could visit him himself or write him a letter. It contradicts his initial speech to Laertes
before he leaves when he advises him not to talk to anyone yet not to be shy. Well,
if Laertes truly listens to his father, he shouldn’t talk to Reynaldo in the
first place. Even so, if Reynaldo asks acquaintances of Laertes about him, they
may not be reliable sources. Polonius acknowledges this yet disregards it at
the same time.
Meanwhile, Polonius’ reaction to Ophelia can be considered
normal. I find it interesting that he blames his own advice for hamlet going
crazy. If this had truly been the cause of his craziness, why would Polonius go
to the king instead of Hamlet himself? I find it standard for a father to look
out for his daughter. Polonius is sorry that his advice potentially caused this
and blames himself. This whole scene shows just how much Ophelia respects and
listens to the wishes of her father. This mirrors Hamlet’s devotion to his
father and contrasts his lack of loyalty to his uncle-father.
On the other hand, Gertrude and Claudius
order Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to
find out what is wrong with Hamlet. This corresponds to the indirect parenting
method of Polonius. The difference is that Gertrude and Claudius are sending
Hamlet’s friends, which seems much more dependable and not as strange.
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