Chat with Polonius

1. Chat with Polonius By Michael, Ben, and Daniel

2. Summary • After being left alone with Hamlet, Polonius begins a conversation with him. • Hamlet proceeds to insult Polonius and spew madness instead of answering Polonius’ simple questions. • Polonius somewhat understands Hamlet’s underlying meanings, but chooses to keep his feelings to himself and infers that Hamlet is a bit loony. • Polonius is intrigued by Hamlet and suggests that he and Ophelia get to know one another.

3. Insight • Hamlet acts this way towards Polonius because Hamlet feel betrayed by Polonius. When King Hamlet died, Polonius began working for Claudius, for Polonius’ own self-interests, instead of retaining loyalty to Hamlet.

4. Michael’s Commentary • I believe that Hamlet is stuck in a conversation with Polonius. Hamlet chooses to let some of his distaste out by being disrespectful and sarcastic in his conversation. Polonius only somewhat picks up on his snotty remarks but chooses to keep it to himself. “[aside] Though this be madness, yet there is method in’t” (II, ii, 210-211).

5. Ben’s Opinion • I believe that in this segment, Hamlet holds on to a grudge that is a little ridiculous. Polonius is only doing what he deems to be correct: provide for his family and to hold a job. Furthermore, Hamlet is blinded by his emotions which causes him to act like a child, bluntly blame Polonius, and act distasteful towards Polonius. On final thought I also think that Polonius wants to get to know Hamlet and find out his true intentions.

6. Daniel’s Commentary • Hamlet pays little attention to Polonius because he is engulfed in a book. Hamlet is doing this out of disrespect for Polonius, and possibly because Hamlet does not wish to face Polonius head on about what happened with Ophelia.

7. The End