Hamlet 1.3

1. The scene begins with Laertes and his sister Ophelia talking. Laertes warns his sister to keep her reputation spotless and to not fall into Hamlet's trap of lust. He tells her she is susceptible to thinking she is in love with him and he with her, but in reality she is too young and will only end up being heartbroken. Ophelia promises to keep his words in mind. Polonius, their father, enters the scene next. He questions Laertes as to why he has not left yet, gives him advice on how to succeed while he is away then gives him his blessings. After Laertes departs, Polonius speaks to Ophelia alone about her relationship with Hamlet. Like Laertes, Polonius warns that Ophelia will only be hurt by Hamlet. He believes Hamlet really does not love her and is only using her, which she does not understand. Polonius orders his daughter to stay away from Hamlet, and says she may never spend time with him anymore. Ophelia is very upset by this, but responds saying she will comply with her father's will.

2. After reading ahead, I realize this scene is significant because Ophelia is banned from seeing Hamlet, which is used as a reason why Hamlet has gone mad.

4. Polonius says "I do know, when the blood burns, how prodigal the soul lends the tongue vows." I really liked this line because of the figurative language used to convey this truth to Ophelia. My interpretation of the line is that people will say anything their emotions prompt them to say, but will not often mean them.