Polonius's Way of Thinking:
* Suspicion and Lack of Trust: He clearly distrusts Laertes and believes he needs to be monitored closely. He assumes Laertes is likely engaging in vice, even though there's no evidence to support this. This reflects a general distrust of youth and a belief in the inherent wickedness of human nature.
* Manipulation and Deception: He instructs Reynaldo to use deceit and lies to get information about Laertes. This shows a lack of respect for honesty and a willingness to use underhanded tactics to achieve his goals.
* Controlling and Overprotective: He wants to exert complete control over Laertes' life, even when Laertes is away at university. This suggests a controlling and overprotective nature that stifles independence.
* Hypocrisy: Polonius, despite being a high-ranking official, is hypocritical. He lectures Hamlet on the dangers of acting and showing emotion, yet he engages in highly dramatic and manipulative behavior himself.
Polonius's Way of Acting:
* Devious and Cunning: His instructions to Reynaldo are calculated and manipulative. He plans to extract information about Laertes' behavior through clever trickery.
* Unrealistic and Out-of-Touch: His assumptions about Laertes' behavior are often inaccurate, suggesting a lack of understanding of the world beyond his own limited perspective.
* Overly Dramatic: He often uses exaggerated language and gestures, highlighting his tendency to be dramatic and theatrical.
In summary, Polonius's instructions to Reynaldo reveal a character who is deeply suspicious, controlling, manipulative, and hypocritical. His actions are fueled by a need to control and a distrust of others, ultimately contributing to his downfall in the play.