DRJ #2 ACT 2

From what I've read in act 1, I could already see Polonius as the eccentric, overprotective yet awkwardly funny father of Ophelia. My initial reactions towards Gertrude and Claudius in act 2 remain the same as in act 1. My conclusion about that dirty duo being villainous incestuous heathens has not changed. But then again I suppose they do care about Hamlet, because they call his two closest friends to see what's wrong with him.

The character I'm going to analyze here is Polonius, father of Ophelia (Hamlet's "love" interest) and a member of Claudius and Gertrude's royal court. He is neither protagonist nor antagonist, but rather he serves the same purpose as the late King Hamlet, which is to create events/conflicts for the play, mostly for Hamlet. He's very protective of Ophelia, and I believe he actually LIKES to investigate Hamlet. Actually, Polonius overprotective of his own son too, since he has Reynaldo keep tabs on Laertes ( whom is supposedly studying music in France). Not only that, but he's kind of like the comic relief in this dramatic play (besides Hamlet's bitter sarcasm). Polonius's conversation with Gertrude and his witty banter with Hamlet in Act 2 scene 2 definitely shows this.


The theme in act 2 is also the impact of family and friendships (thats what I see anyway) has on a person. The first half of act 2 is basically showing Polonius's overprotective nature towards his two children, Laertes and Ophelia. He then concocts this plan to have Reynaldo follow Laertes all over France and have Ophelia secretly meet up with Hamlet so he can spy on Hamlet to reveal his "true intentions". The second half of act two is Claudius and Gertrude forcing two of their son Hamlet's closest friends to figure out his change in behavior. Here you can see the concern the three parental figures in the story have for their children, and how they believe that Hamlet's friends can make him feel better.