is Polonius a good advisor to the king in Hamlet?
please help me, its for a essay, your help is greatly appreciated. THank you!!
Polonius was a good and trusted advisor to Hamlet Sr when he was king ... before Hamlet Sr was murdered.
Polonius has been advisor to the new king, Claudius, for only a couple of months. After reading the play, do you think Claudius seeks advice and assistance from Polonius? Find places in the play where Claudius speaks to or about Polonius to help you decide.
To determine whether Polonius is a good advisor to the king in Hamlet, you can analyze his portrayal in the play and evaluate his actions and characteristics. Here's how you can approach this for your essay:
1. Read and understand the play: Familiarize yourself with the character of Polonius by reading or reviewing the play, "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare. Take notes on Polonius' interactions, intentions, and how he advises the king.
2. Identify Polonius' role: Polonius is a trusted advisor to King Claudius and the father of Ophelia and Laertes. While he holds a position of authority, his advice and decisions can impact the main plot of the play.
3. Evaluate Polonius' motivations: Consider Polonius' actions and reasoning throughout the play. Is he primarily concerned about the welfare of the kingdom, or does he have personal motives? Look for moments where Polonius' advice aligns with the greater good of the kingdom and where it might serve his own interests.
4. Analyze his effectiveness: Assess the outcomes of Polonius' advice. Does his counsel lead to positive or negative consequences? Look at instances where his advice is successful and appreciated by the king, as well as instances where his advice fails or causes harm.
5. Consider his characterization: Examine Polonius' personality traits and how they contribute to his advisory role. Is he wise, observant, and prudent? Or does he exhibit traits of being overly verbose, manipulative, or deceptive? How do these traits influence his role as an advisor?
6. Explore alternative perspectives: Explore different interpretations of Polonius' character by referring to critical essays or scholarly analysis. These perspectives can help you understand different arguments for and against Polonius being a good advisor.
7. Formulate your thesis: After evaluating these aspects, take a position on whether Polonius is a good advisor. Your thesis statement should reflect your opinion and be supported by evidence from the play.
8. Develop your essay: Organize your essay into an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each paragraph should discuss specific examples or incidents that support your thesis statement. Use quotes from the play to strengthen your analysis and provide evidence to support your arguments.
9. Revise and edit: Review your essay for clarity, coherence, and proper citation if required. Proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Make sure your arguments are well-supported and your analysis is consistent.
Remember to cite any outside sources you may use for your essay.
Good luck with your essay!