Term paper on Polonius- Tragic Flaw
Hamlet term papers
The Tragic Flaw of Polonius
In Hamlet we see diverse characters who can be seen as having tragic flaws. Polonius, the
loyal advisor to the king has a tragic flaw. This is his loyalty to the state and more specifically the
king. Polonius s characteristic of loyalty warrants a flaw given that it leads to his tragic death. In
using Aristotles interpretation of a tragedy, Polonius s loyalty is also tragic. The audience worries
that they may have the same fate and are also sympathetic of Polonius since loyalty is usually a
positive attribute. This play is an exception since loyalty is given to a corrupt king and state.
Before Laertes travels back to school he receives advice from his father, Polonius. He
appears to be a caring father by first saying, Take each man s censure, but reserve thy
judgment (Hamlet, I , III, 69). Following this Polonius orders, Costly thy habit as thy purse can
buy, but not expressed in fancy; rich, not gaudy. For thy apparel oft proclaims the man. (Hamlet,
I , III, 70-72). This comment suggests that Polonius is greatly concerned with how Laertes
appears. It indicates that Polonius is worried about how the appearance of his son will make him
look in the eyes of the state and king.
Shortly after Laertes leaves for school, Polonius sends Renaldo, a friend of Laertes, to spy
on him. Polonius wants to keep a close eye on his son. But for what reason? Some may argue that
he is a caring father but this is unlike Polonius s character. Polonius is a politician, as we have
seen; he advises his son to not look gaudy and rich. A much more likely reason would be that
Polonius doesn t want his image to crumble by his son acting badly. Renaldo is sent to protect
Polonius s image through the eyes of the state and king.
In the case of Polonius s daughter Ophelia, Polonius demonstrates his loyalty to the state
with her also. Following Ophelia s explanation of her relationship with Hamlet, Polonius advises,
This must be known; which, being kept close, might move. More grief to hide than hate to utter
love (Hamlet, II , I, 115-116). The phrase hate to utter love gives the impression that Claudius
would hate to hear that Ophelia has a relationship with Hamlet. Polonius would prefer no
relationship so that he can stay on the good side of the king. If Hamlet and Ophelia married,
Polonius stature would be elevated. If he were to stay distant he might appear ambitious by
possibly attaining success through his daughter.
One event that is unavoidable is the death of Polonius himself. Upon hearing the coming
of Hamlet, Polonius hides behind a curtain. After highly emotional discussion between the queen
Gertrude and her son Hamlet, Polonius answers the queen s cry by hollering, What, ho!
help! (Hamlet, III , IV, 24). In overhearing from behind the curtain, the emotional state of
Hamlet, Polonius would have been more sane to act differently. His dedication to the state
impulsively causes him to answer the call which ultimately leads to his demise.
Polonius appears to have a strong desire to appear in good standing by the state and king.
Why did Shakespeare implement this characteristic? Polonius represents slyness and corruption.
He controls his children for his benefit and spies on his daughter and the queen. By implementing
these characteristics Shakespeare reinforces the malignity of the state. Polonius has to be expelled
in order for the state to be cleansed.
2
The Characterisitics Of A Tragedy Play Essay Term Paper
Shakespeare: A Plagirist??? Essay Term Paper
The Ghosts Of Hamlet And Macbeth Essay Term Paper
Latest Posts...
Here you can easily hire a private writer in as early as 5 minutes.
With 200+ writers available 24/7, we can help with any written assignment (from simple essays to dissertations).Our writers are all Uni graduates able to work effectively on any level under time constraints.
Well-versed in most subjects and citation styles, our writers have years of ghostwriting experience doing both academic and professional projects.
Placing an order is a snap. You enter your details and deadline and get a personal writer who works with you on a one-to-one personal level until you are happy with the finished product.Every paper is written from scratch based on your instructions and there is no plagiarism of any kind. Plus, we guarantee free unlimited revisions.
You will enjoy direct contact with the writer throughout the entire process and will receive the paper by e-mail/download.
All content will be 100% original and there will be no plagiarism. Any outside info will be properly cited.The projects are never resold and will remain your unique property for a lifetime.
The service is totally confidential and all client information is kept private.
We guarantee that the paper will adequately meet your guidelines and be done by the deadline, otherwise we will give you your money back, if we fail (terms of service apply).
- 10+ years of experience in paper writing
- Any assignment on any level. Any deadline!
- Open 24/7 Your essay will be done on time!
- 200+ essay writers. Live Chat. Great support
- No Plagiarism. Satisfaction. Confidentiality.
