Hamlet+2.1

3. I'm a little confused/don't remember why Polonius is inquiring so much about Laertes? I know he's concerned about his son - but is it just because he is concerned about his son doing corrupt/bad things that might "dishonor" him or get him into trouble?

4 (and a little 3). Polonius says to Ophelia, "This must be known, which, being kept close, might move/ More grief to hide than hate to utter love" (2.1.131-132). On one hand, I agree with Polonius because if Ophelia and Polonius are truly concerned about Hamlet's well-being/sanity, then they should definitely talk to someone about it (I do not know if this would be proper for the time - But I would wish they go to Gertrude before they go to King Claudius, because she is his mother). I also thought this quotation was something interesting to reflect on. Does love hurt more when it is concealed? Are feelings/perceptions of people better when spoken about it? Or is this "hatred" actually worse than the grief?" He also states that "it is common for the younger sort/ To lack discretion," which I completely agree with (I actually chuckled a little bit) (2.1.131).

5. It seems as though Ophelia is a little hysterical in comparison to how she has acted in previous scenes. If what she is saying is true, than she has a right to be frightened - however, earlier in the play, she did not seem very affected when Polonius and Laertes told her not to see Hamlet anymore. This may be a silly question but, can we just assume this is true? Would Ophelia lie? Is she just trying to get attention? Maybe something happened between them and Opehlia did not want to get in trouble herself so she turned against Hamlet? Or is Hamlet actually going crazy? I think that more evidence supports Hamlet's insanity, but it is interesting to observe Ophelia's reactions and character throughout the play.

4. I don't really know what number this would fit under but I also found it comical that Polonius said, "-what/ was I about to say?/ By the Mass, I was about to say/ something. Where did I leave?" (2.1.56-58). You gotta love William's comic relief! It's also such a real, simple moment to me, as I often forget my thoughts in the middle of telling a story or just rambling on about something, just as Polonius was. I think Shakespeare may also be poking fun that what Polonius is saying is really not that significant (which is why he forgot it).