Hamlet [ACT 1 SCENE 3]

Plot overview :
This scene takes place at the residence of Polonius, in a room in the castle of Elsinore. His son, Laertes,
offers overprotective advice to his sister, Ophelia, who is in love with Prince Hamlet. His tone shows that it SETTINGS
is a well-prepared speech, though he pretends he is unaware of Ophelia’s feelings about love. In fact, he
speaks to her in a metaphorical language, underscoring her feminine position.
 A room in
Laertes explains that she could never be anything more than a plaything to Hamlet, because he is superior and of the house of
higher rank than her. Therefore, Hamlet would not choose her as his mate for his whole life. Thus, to safeguard
and protect her honor, Laertes argues that she must reject Hamlet’s advances before he deceives her. Polonius.
 In the castle
Laertes further adds that Hamlet is the voice of Denmark – a fact that Hamlet is of Elsinore
also aware of. Ophelia jokingly scolds Laertes to be careful, as he is a young man in Denmark.
who does not even take his own advice

Laertes agrees, saying that he must be leaving, reminding her of his advice. In the meantime, Polonius enters and gives Laertes a
lengthy piece of advice on how to live in Paris. He uses a string of cliches enumerating do’s and don’ts for Laertes to follow in
Paris. However, the irony is that the old man himself ignores these clichés about borrowing, lending, and using tongue. This led
to his being killed in the next act, merely because he cannot hold his tongue.

Then Polonius turns to Ophelia and asks her what they are talking about. She explains that his brother Laertes
has advised her about her love for Hamlet. Then, Polonius gives a diatribe on the same subject, saying that
Prince Hamlet is a playboy. He says that Hamlet’s only purpose is to make a fool of her, and that he is using her
femininity by offering fake vows, which could only be used to trap a stupid bird. Ophelia promises her father to
break off her relationship with Prince Hamlet, saying “ I shall obey, my lord.” (Line 135)
 CHARACTERS

Ophelia Laertes

• Intelligent. She understands when her
brother uses literary words to explain
that Hamlet's acts towards her is just
a charade.
• Loyal. She admits to obey her brother
and father’s advice to stay away from
Hamlet.
• Patient. He listens calmly to his father’s
long advice even it is taking too long and
his ship might board soon.
• Caring. He cares of Ophelia , his sister's
feelings which makes he advises and tell
her to stop meeting Hamlet after he
board to France.

Polocius

• Talkative. He gives a long advice toward his son before he board his
ship . He talks way too much.
• A father's figure. He threatens Ophelia to never have romantic interest
with Hamlet because he afraid he might destroyed her future.
 Simile Assonance
Alliteration
“….like a “Hold it a
“Too oft before puffed and fashion and a
their buttons be reckless toy in blood” (6)
disclos’d” (40) libertine” (49)

Circumlocution
Metaphor
“Neither a borrower nor
a lender be, Literary “And keep you in the
For loan oft loses both rear of your affection,
itself and friend,
And borrowing dulleth
devices Out of the shot and
danger of
th’ edge of husbandry” desire.” (Lines, 35-36)
(75-78)

Pun
“And these few Personification
precepts in thy Metonymy
“Give thy thoughts no
memory tongue, “Give every man
Look nor any thy ear, but few
thou character unproportioned thy voice.” (69)
…” (58-60) thoughts his act.” (60-
61)