Polonius is a Good Father in Hamlet

William Shakespeare's play Hamlet is known for its complex characters and intricate plot. One character that often sparks debate among readers and scholars is Polonius, the chief counselor to King Claudius and the father of Ophelia and Laertes. While some may argue that Polonius is an intrusive and manipulative character, I contend that Polonius is a good father who genuinely cares for his children's well-being. Through his actions, advice, and intentions, Polonius demonstrates his love and concern for his children, making him a good father figure in the play.

Topic Sentence: Polonius's actions reflect his genuine care and concern for his children.

Throughout the play, Polonius takes various actions that demonstrate his genuine care for his children. For instance, when Laertes is about to depart for France, Polonius provides him with a series of advice, which includes gems like "Give thy thoughts no tongue" and "To thine own self be true" (Shakespeare, 1.3.59, 1.3.84). These pieces of advice show Polonius's desire to guide his son towards making wise choices and living a virtuous life. By offering such counsel, Polonius displays his commitment to his son's well-being.

Topic Sentence: Polonius's advice to Laertes reflects his wisdom and concern for his son's safety.

Furthermore, Polonius's advice to Laertes also shows his concern for his son's safety. In Act I, Scene 3, Polonius warns Laertes about the dangers of borrowing and lending money, cautioning him to "neither a borrower nor a lender be" (Shakespeare, 1.3.75). This advice reveals Polonius's practical nature and his desire to protect his son from potential harm. By advising Laertes to be cautious with his finances, Polonius demonstrates his role as a responsible and caring father.

Topic Sentence: Polonius's intentions behind his actions demonstrate his good fatherly qualities.

Moreover, Polonius's intentions behind his actions also highlight his good fatherly qualities. While some may argue that Polonius is manipulative, his actions and advice are driven by his love for his children. When he instructs his daughter Ophelia to reject Hamlet's advances, he does so out of concern for her reputation and well-being. Polonius fears that Hamlet's love for Ophelia may be fleeting or insincere, and he wants to protect his daughter from potential heartbreak. Though his approach may be questionable, his intentions are rooted in love and protection, making him a good father.

In conclusion, despite the controversies surrounding his character, Polonius is a good father in Hamlet. Through his actions, advice, and intentions, Polonius consistently demonstrates his love and concern for his children, making him a positive and caring father figure. By analyzing his actions in the play, we can see that Polonius's genuine care for his children's well-being aligns with the qualities of a good father. While his methods may be flawed, his intentions are rooted in love and protection, making him a character worthy of admiration and understanding.

Overall, Hamlet presents Polonius as a complex character who embodies the complexities of fatherhood. By exploring his character in depth, we gain a deeper understanding of the play's themes and the complexities of familial relationships. Further exploration into Polonius's character can shed light on the complexities of parenthood and the lengths parents go to protect and guide their children. Through the character of Polonius, Shakespeare invites us to reflect on our own roles as parents, children, and members of a larger family unit.

Works Cited

Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Edited by Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine, Folger Shakespeare Library, 2003.