Lesson 3
Polonius and His Children
Objectives
• To understand the dynamics in the relationship of Polonius, Laertes,
and Ophelia
• To analyze Polonius’s words of advice to his son
Notes to the Teacher
Act 1, scene 3, presents a domestic scene. Laertes, a protective brother
about to embark on his journey back to France, warns his younger sister,
Ophelia, not to take Hamlet’s apparent interest in her very seriously and
certainly not to lose her virginity to him. Ophelia directs similar advice
back to her brother, but just then Polonius enters to hurry his son along
and to offer his famous parting words of advice.
The conversation between Polonius and Ophelia reveals his overprotective and devious nature, as well as her naiveté and instinctive spirit
of obedience. As the scene closes, Ophelia has agreed to avoid Hamlet
altogether.
In this lesson, students begin with a role-playing activity involving siblings. They then read act 1, scene 3, summarize it, and analyze the “to thine
own self be true” speech.
Procedure
1. Have students work with partners or in groups of three to role-play
older siblings giving advice to younger brothers and/or sisters just
about to enter high school. (If necessary, prompt ideas by asking questions such as the following: What might a senior boy advise his pretty,
young, freshman sister about the other boys in his class? What might a
senior girl advise her still-short freshman brother about some groups in
the school?) Ask students to include both academic and social pointers.
Invite volunteers to share role-plays, and point out similarities.
2. Explain that act 1, scene 3, begins with a similar scenario. Have volunteers read aloud the roles of Laertes and Ophelia in the first part of
the scene, before the entrance of Polonius. Ask: What seems to worry
Laertes? (Laertes does not think Hamlet’s interest in Ophelia is to be
taken seriously; Hamlet might just want to take advantage of her.) Point
out Ophelia’s playful response, urging Laertes also to avoid romance.
3. Have volunteers read aloud the rest of the scene; roles include Laertes,
Polonius, and Ophelia.
Hamlet 15 4. Distribute Handout 5, and have partners answer the questions.
Suggested Responses
1. Polonius sounds very self-satisfied and smug, as if he has figured out exactly how to live successfully. Like most fathers,
he wants to protect Laertes from getting into trouble of any
type.
2. Keep your thoughts to yourself, and never act without thinking carefully first. He seems to advise his son to make selfinterest, self-protection, his main priority.
3. When friends have proved themselves loyal, hold those friendships tightly; do not be quick to make new friends.
4. Laertes should avoid conflict; however, when conflict arises,
he should prevail.
5. Laertes should wear expensive and tasteful clothing so that he
can make a good impression.
6. Both borrowing and lending can get a person into trouble.
7. It is most important to be true to yourself, and then you will
also be true to others. Although this sounds like idealistic
advice, Polonius throughout the speech advises his son to
pursue a thoroughly self-centered sort of life.
5. Point out that once Laertes leaves, Polonius has a talk with his daughter; again, his comments focus on self-interest and self-protection.
Distribute Handout 6, and have students complete the exercise.
Suggested Responses
1. Laertes and Ophelia are not little children, but their father
remains inquisitive and domineering. No wonder Laertes is
so eager to return to France!
2. Ophelia appears to be naïve, trusting, earnest, and obedient;
the flash of wit we observed in her conversation with Laertes
is nowhere evident in her talk with her father.
3. Polonius perceives his daughter’s naïveté; he seems to believe
she could easily be seduced.
4. Polonius makes his real concern evident when he complains
that his daughter might make him look like a fool.
5. Polonius orders Ophelia to have no interaction with Hamlet;
she acquiesces.
6. Both father and son convey the idea that Hamlet could not possibly simply like Ophelia for herself. It does not seem to occur
to him that his intentions might be perfectly honorable.
7. Under all these tactics, Polonius may hope that his daughter
will marry the prince and eventually become the queen of
Denmark.
16 Hamlet
Lesson 3
Handout 5
Name:
“To Thine Own Self Be True”
Directions: Polonius’s words to Laertes are among the most famous lines in Hamlet. This certainly
sounds like good and noble advice. Read the entire speech in act 1, scene 3, carefully, and answer the
following questions.
1. What is the general tone of the speech?
2. Paraphrase Polonius’s first sentence of advice. What is he advising Laertes to make his top priority?
3. What does Polonius advise Laertes about friendship?
4. What is the advice about conflicts?
5. How should Laertes dress? Why?
6. Why should Laertes avoid both borrowing and lending?
7. The last three lines before Polonius’s farewell to Laertes are very famous. Rephrase them in your
own words. Can his meaning be interpreted more than one way?
© COPYRIGHT, The Center for Learning. Used with permission. Not for resale.
Hamlet 17 Lesson 3
Handout 6
Name:
Father and Daughter
Directions: After Laertes leaves in act 1, scene 3, Polonius has a talk with his daughter, Ophelia. Reexamine the dialogue, and answer the following questions.
1. Does Polonius appear to be the Shakespearean equivalent of a “helicopter parent”? Explain.
2. What words would you use to describe Ophelia?
3. What does Polonius appear to believe about Ophelia’s character? Do you think he is correct?
4. What seems to be Polonius’s main concern as he talks with Ophelia about Hamlet?
5. What does Polonius order Ophelia to do? How does she respond?
6. In what ways might the comments of both her brother and her father be damaging to Ophelia?
7. What hidden agenda might be at work in Polonius’s statements?
18 Hamlet
© COPYRIGHT, The Center for Learning. Used with permission. Not for resale.