Information AboutPolonius |
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Father of Ophelia and Laertes , and adjunct to King Claudius , he is described as a windbag by some and a rambler of wisdom by others. It has also been suggested that he only acts like a "foolish prating knave" in order to keep his position and popularity safe and to keep anyone from discovering his plots for social advancement. Polonius is fearful that Hamlet's relationship with his daughter will hurt his reputation with the king and instructs Ophelia to "lock herself from {Link without Title} resort." He later develops the belief that Ophelia's rejections of Hamlet's affections has caused the prince to lose his wits. He tests his theory with spying and interrogations. In his last attempt to spy on Hamlet, Polonius hides himself in the curtains of Gertrude's room. Hamlet deals roughly with his mother, causing her to cry for help. Polonius repeats the request for help and is heard by Hamlet, who thinks Polonius is his uncle. Hamlet stabs the figure behind the curtains, mistakingly killing Polonius. The death of Polonius causes Claudius to fear for his life, Ophelia to become genuinely mad and Laertes to seek his revenge. |
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