Hamlet · Chapter
Scene III explained
Laertes bids farewell to Ophelia, warning her to be cautious of Hamlet's affections, which he considers fleeting and constrained by his royal position.
What happens
Laertes bids farewell to Ophelia, warning her to be cautious of Hamlet's affections, which he considers fleeting and constrained by his royal position. Polonius then enters, echoes Laertes' warnings, and forbids Ophelia from seeing Hamlet, commanding her to obey. Ophelia agrees to comply.
Themes in this chapter
Appearance vs. Reality
Polonius warns that Hamlet's vows of love are deceptive 'brokers' that appear holy but serve unholy purposes, highlighting the gap between appearance and truth.
Deception and Spying
Polonius's interrogation of Ophelia and his earlier advice to Laertes about being cautious with others reflect a theme of mistrust and hidden motives.
Gender and Sexuality
Ophelia is instructed to guard her chastity and is treated as a possession whose honor must be protected by male relatives, illustrating gender dynamics of the era.
Characters to notice
- Laertes
Warns Ophelia about Hamlet's intentions and advises her to guard her honor before departing for France.
- Ophelia
Listens to Laertes' advice and promises to remember it, but later submits to Polonius' command to avoid Hamlet.
- Polonius
Gives Laertes lengthy precepts for his journey, then interrogates Ophelia about Hamlet and forbids her from seeing him.
Key passages
“For Hamlet and the trifling of his favour, Hold it a fashion and a toy in blood, A violet in the youth of primy nature, Forward, not permanent, sweet, not lasting, The perfume and suppliance of a minute; No more.”
Consider Hamlet's affection as a fleeting, youthful fancy—like a violet that blooms early but fades quickly, sweet but temporary.
Laertes warns Ophelia that Hamlet's love is not to be taken seriously.
“This above all: to thine ownself be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.”
Above everything, be honest with yourself, and then you will naturally be honest with others.
Polonius gives Laertes his most famous piece of advice before his departure.
“Do not believe his vows; for they are brokers, Not of that dye which their investments show, But mere implorators of unholy suits, Breathing like sanctified and pious bonds, The better to beguile.”
Don't trust his promises; they are like go-betweens that pretend to be holy but are actually just trying to seduce you deceitfully.
Polonius warns Ophelia that Hamlet's vows are insincere and manipulative.