POLONIUS Meaning and
Definition
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Polonius is a character in William Shakespeare's play Hamlet. He is depicted as the Lord Chamberlain of the King of Denmark, and the father of Ophelia and Laertes. Polonius is known for his long-winded speeches and his tendency to offer unsolicited advice to those around him.
In the play, Polonius represents the archetype of an overly-protective and meddling father, who places a great emphasis on appearances and social standing. He often appears as a bumbling and foolish character, whose actions and words tend to have unintended consequences.
Polonius is also characterized by his tendency to spy on others, serving as a voice of suspicion and mistrust. This is exemplified by his famous line, "To thine own self be true," which is frequently misinterpreted as an expression of honesty, but in the context of the play, it reflects Polonius' duplicity and manipulative nature.
Overall, Polonius serves as a contrasting figure to the more introspective and contemplative characters in the play, such as Hamlet. He is representative of the shallow and hypocritical nature of the courtly society in which the play is set, and his actions contribute to the tragic events that unfold throughout the play.
Common Misspellings for POLONIUS
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