DRJ #2: Hamlet Act II

DRJ #2: Hamlet Act 2

            Polonius reminds me of this extremely over protective father because he cares so much about Laertus and Ophelia. It’s like in movies when the dad will do or say anything to check up on their kid. Polonius’ way of doing so is having someone check on Laertus and telling Ophelia to keep Hamlet away from her. Ophelia’s situation also reminds me of everyday life when boys try to court the girls but the girls don’t like the boy or their parents forbid the girl from dating. I can’t tell if Phelia like’s Hamlet but she’s really obedient to her father.

            I think of Polonius as Claudius’ henchman, he’s not exactly a main antagonist or villain but he is motivated by his own personal interest. He doesn’t do anything that’s evil, he only takes action on what he cares about, like having Reynaldo spy on his son, which is a violation of Laertus privacy. He also tries to ruin Laertus’ reputation. Polonius also thinks Hamlet is crazy and tells the King everything about Hamlet that Ophelia tells Polonius. Polonius even suggests that the King should spy on Ophelia and Hamlet by hiding behind curtains. I think it’s funny, but his actions show is loyalty to the King and his involvement with Hamlet and father role to his kids.

            The theme that takes place in Act Two is one’s sanity/suicide. There is a lot of concern over Hamlet’s craziness. Polonius already sees Hamlet as crazy because he believes Hamlet is in love with Ophelia. He proves this to the king by showing him the letters Hamlet wrote to Ophelia. (Line 54-55 Act II Scene 2). Claudius says to Gertrude, “He (Polonius) tells me my dear Gertrude he hath found the head and source of all your son’s distemper.” Another line, line 100 “That he is mad, “tis true. Tis true, it’s pity,” Polonius says. Claudius is also concerned by Hamlet’s well being for the sake of Gertrude’s happiness. They believe the reason why Hamlet is upset is because of the marriage which is very true and caused a lot of trouble to Hamlet but it’s also because of what the Ghost told Hamlet. Claudius has Hamlet’s childhood friends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern find out what is wrong with Hamlet. Hamlet’s sanity fuels the character’s actions in the story. Hamlet himself is truly upset and is unhappy, especially after meeting the ghost. He does show signs of suicide with his negativity and saying he wants to step “into his grave,” (Line 197 Act II Scene II.  Hamlet’s sanity is what makes him want to take revenge on his uncle.