Yet Here Laertes Essay

Yet Here Laertes

In the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare, there are many recurring themes that play a major role in the behavior and choices of characters. Some of these themes include self versus self, death versus life, and self versus society. One such theme, self versus society, can be seen in Polonius’s monologue in act three. In this monologue, Polonius gives counsel to Laertes of what behavior, relationships, and outward appearances are acceptable. Polonius monologue in act three compares social standards and characteristics of society and pushes them against the natural behavior of humans specifically in the character of Laertes.

Firstly, Polonius compares how to act in public and what actions and behaviors which are tolerated in certain situations.

“Neither a borrower nor a lender be/ For loan oft loses both itself and friend/And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry”(Hamlet 3.1, 76-77). This quote is saying not to borrow or lend money as it can causes havoc when it comes to friends. “But do not dull thy palm with entertainment/ Of each new-hatch'd, unfledged comrade”(Hamlet 3.1, 65-66). This line of advice is telling Laertes that in his new life he should not go around trying to be friends with everyone but instead find people who will be the most beneficial to his success. “Be thou familiar but by no means vulgar”(Hamlet 1.3, 69). This means to be a loyal friend but to avoid being pompous. Another example can be found in Bennet’s article where she connects the idea of social relations in Lyly’s Euphues with the ones in Polonius’s monologue. One example she uses is, “Mistrust no man without cause; neither be thou credulous without proof”(Bennet 2). This means to not to mistrust someone without evidence and not to give trust out without a person earning it. The quotes above describes relationships and how they should be treated in order to maintain