The Parent-Child Dynamics in Shakespeare’s Hamlet: Polonius' View of Laertes

Introduction

Will Shakespeare’s masterpiece, Hamlet, paints a vivid picture of complex parent-child relationships. Among the most renowned characters is Polonius, a parent who seeks to guide and protect his son, Laertes, through a series of critical moments in the play. This article explores Polonius' perspective on Laertes, his expectations, and the advice he provides, underlining the significance of this relationship in the play.

The Nature of Polonius' Relationship with Laertes

Polonius is a character rich in contradictions. A self-proclaimed counselor and advisor, he attempts to guide his son with empathy and concern. However, his methods often border on manipulative, driven by his ambition and a desire for recognition. At the heart of his relationship with Laertes lies a complex dance of fatherly love and a parent’s need for control.
Polonius, as a courtier and an advisor, values laudation and respect. His relationship with Laertes serves as a microcosm of the societal expectations and pressures faced by public figures in Elizabethan England. Polonius’ role in shaping young minds, driven by a sense of duty and a desire to secure his family’s legacy, is an essential element of the play’s overall narrative.

Polonius' Advice to Laertes

In Act I, Scene III, one of the most significant scenes in the play, Polonius delivers a speech to Laertes, explicitly advising him on how to conduct himself in the world. His advice is manifold and reveals much about his character and his view on the world. Here is a paraphrased version of the speech:

Laertes, do not go to the court rashly. Potentate, ay, and twice potentare. Put thy self in his antennas. Read the notes and marks in thy departed father. '.tis most propriate, this turgid salt of most despised friendship should be the balmie antidote to a sore wound. How we work the devices of the world I want thee to seize with a judicious eye. ...

Through this speech, Polonius imparts several key pieces of advice to Laertes: Earn Diplomacy and Respect: Polonius stresses the importance of cultivating diplomatic skills. The phrase "Potentate, ay, and twice potentare" reflects his desire for Laertes to gain influence and respect in court. Embrace Fatherly Wisdom: He encourages Laertes to follow the path his father left behind, valuing the advice and lessons of those who have passed. This serves as a call to respect and honor his father’s legacy. Tact and Sincerity: The phrase "Put thy self in his antennas" suggests the importance of perception and understanding the intentions of others before acting. Polonius values sincerity and a genuine connection with those around you. Self-Reflection and Growth: "Put yourself in his antennas" also implies the need for self-reflection. The advice to read the "notes and marks in thy father" highlights the importance of introspection and leveraging the insights of the past.

Interpreting Polonius' Expectations and Intentions

Polonius’ advice, while seemingly benevolent, is steeped in the political and social climate of the time. His words reveal a deep-seated ambition and a paternal instinct to prepare Laertes for the harsh realities of the court. Underlying this advice is a desire to instill political acumen, diplomatic skills, and a hard-headed approach to deal with the challenges that lie ahead. However, Polonius’ methods are often perceived as intrusive by others in the play, and his relationship with Laertes often borderlines on over-protectiveness.

Parental Love versus Over-Protection

Despite his best intentions, Polonius’ approach can be seen as overbearing. When Hamlet reproaches him in Act I, Scene III, asking, "Do you see yonder cloud that's almost in shape of a camel?" this rhetorical question highlights the irony between Polonius' elaborate plans and Hamlet's own complex emotional state. The exchange underscores the hierarchical and often suffocating relationship between Polonius and Laertes. The question also reflects the tension between parental love and the need for personal independence and autonomy.

Conclusion

Polonius' relationship with Laertes in Hamlet is a rich tapestry of parental guidance, political maneuvering, and societal expectations. His advice and actions reveal a complex interplay of familial love, ambition, and control. Through his words and deeds, Shakespeare presents Polonius as a character embodying both the virtues and vices of a concerned and protective parent in a treacherous world. Understanding these dynamics offers insights into the broader themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships in Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Further Reading

For a deeper exploration of Polonius' character and his role in the play, consider the following resources: Shakespeare’s Hamlet Analysis by Professor Xor (PDF) Hamlet Act 1, Scene 3 Analysis by English Club A Comprehensive Guide to Polonius in Hamlet by TheaterHere

Keywords

Shakespeare, Hamlet, Polonius, Laertes, parental advice