This line is often interpreted as Hamlet's way of telling Ophelia that she should become a nun and renounce her sexuality. If Hamlet knew Polonius was listening, he may have intended for him to hear this line as a way of warning him to stop trying to control Ophelia's life. After all, Polonius is the character who arranges Ophelia and Hamlet's meeting, and it is also likely that he is the one who tells Ophelia to reject Hamlet.
Other possible lines Hamlet might want Polonius to hear are:
- "I am but mad north-north-west. When the wind is southerly, I know a hawk from a handsaw." (Act 2, Scene 2)
- "To be, or not to be, that is the question" (Act 3, Scene 1).
- "The play's the thing / Wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king." (Act 2, Scene 2).