Polonius's Words:
Polonius, Ophelia's father, is a controlling and manipulative figure. He views Hamlet's affections for Ophelia as a mere infatuation and sees their relationship as a threat to his own power and status. He tells Ophelia to:
* Reject Hamlet's advances: He warns her that Hamlet is "above her" and his affections are not genuine. He believes that Hamlet's interest is merely a "fashion" or a passing fancy.
* Be wary of Hamlet: Polonius advises Ophelia to be cautious of Hamlet's words and actions, suggesting that he is dangerous and untrustworthy. He even implies that Hamlet's interest in her is a calculated tactic to deceive and exploit her.
* Avoid any further contact with Hamlet: Polonius instructs Ophelia to cease all communication and interactions with Hamlet, effectively isolating her and cutting off any chance of a genuine relationship.
Ophelia's Words:
Ophelia, caught between her father's commands and her own feelings for Hamlet, is torn and deeply troubled. She is not entirely convinced by her father's portrayal of Hamlet and clings to the hope that his affections are genuine. Her words to Hamlet reflect this conflict:
* She appears to be following her father's instructions, but she does so with hesitation and a tinge of sadness. She tells Hamlet that he is "too much in the sun" and that she must "beware of him" for his own good, but her words lack the conviction and firmness of her father's directives.
* She expresses her love for him. While following her father's commands, she still finds ways to express her feelings for Hamlet, revealing a deep connection that goes beyond her father's controlling influence.
* She seeks to understand Hamlet's behavior. Ophelia tries to decipher Hamlet's erratic behavior and his apparent madness, demonstrating her genuine care for him.
The Relationship:
The words Ophelia speaks to Hamlet reflect both her love for him and her fear of defying her father. She is trapped in a web of deceit and manipulation, forced to choose between her own feelings and the demands of her controlling father. Her words to Hamlet reflect this internal conflict, conveying a sense of sadness, confusion, and ultimately, betrayal.
Key Points to Remember:
* Polonius's words are designed to control Ophelia and manipulate her into rejecting Hamlet.
* Ophelia's words to Hamlet reveal a genuine love for him but also a fear of defying her father's orders.
* The contrast between their words highlights the power dynamics in the play, revealing the ways in which power and manipulation can be used to control others.
By understanding the context of their words, we gain insights into the complex relationships and motivations within Shakespeare's play.