Family Relationships in Hamlet
When it comes to the production of Hamlet's storyline, family relationships come in handy. Surprisingly, many parents in play have poor relationships with their children. There are two major families, for example, Hamlet-Hamlet Sr. and Claudius-Gertrude vs. Ophelia-Polonius-Laertes. The bond between parents and their children is portrayed in various ways.
Hamlet's Relationship with his Father
Hamlet's relationship with his father differs from Laertes's relationship with his father. Polonius' misinterpretation of Ophelia represents Gertrude's misinterpretation of Hamlet. The relationship between Polonius and his children is worse compared to Hamlet’s association with biological parents. Polonius feels that he has control over Ophelia; however, Ophelia thinks that she is obligated to obey his orders due to coercion.
In act one, Laertes cautions Ophelia from being attached to Hamlet. When Polonius hears this conversation, he reiterates Laertes’s standpoint, however in an aggressive way. Polonius states that "Tender yourself more dearly, or (not to crack the wind of the poor phrase, Running it thus) you'll tender me a fool" (I. iii. 107-109). Based on this argument, Polonius takes the right advice and demonstrates that proposition for his interest and not Ophelia. Essentially, Polonius is interested in place in court rather than his daughter’s welfare. In turn, Ophelia responds to his father’s advice alleging obedience, "I shall obey, my lord" (I. iii. 136). Polonius objective is to act as a good father, but his daughter’s reliance on him contributes to her madness and commits suicide following his demise. Generally, Ophelia is an innocent young girl that obeys her father and Laertes, her brother. Again, she is not independent minded, instead, she relies on men to instruct her on what to do, and agrees to his father scheme of spying on Hamlet.
Polonius and Laertes's Relationship
Moreover, in the second act, the relationship between Polonius and Laertes’s is worse. Polonius for instance, aspire to dominate Laertes. At the beginning of act two, Polonius commands Reynaldo to insult Laertes, his intention is to dominate him and Polonius is ready to sacrifice his son’s reputation so as to control him. This parasitic outlook is unhealthy between father and the son. Polonius control of his children contributes to one way association.
Hamlet's Relationship with Claudius and Gertrude
Similarly, Hamlet is not only cynical but also gloomy, acrimonious and full of hates for his uncle. This is because his uncle’s schemes and disgusts for his mother’s sexuality. While he is thoughtful, Hamlet is hesitant and impulsive. Claudius is an ambitious politician scheming, lust for power and driven by his sexual desire, however he depicts signs of human feelings. For example, his love for Gertrude seems to be genuine. Nonetheless, Gertrude loves Hamlet, though she a weak woman that seeks affection than truth. Hamlet feels as though Claudius is a perfect foil. Since he and Hamlet think alike such as killing Hamlet Sr. and to remarry Gertrude. In any case, both characters are foils in fundamental ways. Even though Hamlet dislikes deception, Claudius is good at it. Hamlet values fidelity and honesty, Claudius is an effective faker. By and large, the first two acts demonstrate a dismal relationship between protagonists.
How Characters are Presented in Hamlet
Shakespeare employs many stylistic devices to present his characters. The use of double entendres is a common thing in Hamlet, and is especially used when Claudius expects to know where the body for Polonius was hidden. In response, Hamlet narrates that he at supper. Perhaps, this is not to suggest what Polonius feeds on, but rather what feeds on Polonius. While these words have dual meanings, Hamlet tries these words on the blameless Ophelia, on the mere basis of betrayal, hence unable to trust her, and as such, he torments her with abuses.
Again, the use of word play and twofold meaning is evident when Hamlet plans to have the performance titled mousetrap, which aims to lure the conscience of a king. In reality, Hamlet wittingly inferred that he was out to capture a rat, which in real sense was Claudius.
Furthermore, Shakespeare uses implied metaphor to depict the characters. Most importantly, Hamlet states his saddened life has less value, therefore little fear with regards to losing it when he encounters a ghost. Again, when Horatio is worried about his friend, but Hamlet alleges that "Why, what should be the fear? I do not set my life in a pin's fee; (I.iv.67-68)". This shows that the cost of a pin is valuable compared to the life of Hamlet. Illusion is also used to present characters. Polonius posits that at one time he acted as Julius Caesar, who was stabbed by Brutus, which is a form of historical illusion to Roman emperor and his assassins. In addition, the illusion presents foreshadowing of what will happen in the future since it will be mark Polonius death; hiding behind the curtain in Gertrude's room and Hamlet stabs him thinking that he is the traitor.
Work Cited
Shakespeare, William. Tragedy of Hamlet, the. Boston: Ginn & Company, 1909.
