ACT 1 SCENE 3

ACT 1 SCENE 3

1. Key themes

   • Fathers and sons
     • Polonius' advice to his son is fairly typical to many parents: the difference is apparent when he sends a spy to ensure Laertes is obeying his advice
   • Women and sexuality
     • Ophelia's honour is questioned by both her brother and father. Although she fights, she agrees to ensure she is above reproach where Hamlet is concerned
       • Both men are quite challenging in their language and seem to have authority over her. However her argument is nowhere near as confident as some other women in Shakespeare's plays - i.e. Emilia in Othello

2. Form, structure and language

   • Polonius language of commerce
     • free, bounteous, tenders - tells Ophelia that her value is measured in what her virginity and honour can provide