Hamlet - 1.3 & 1.4

1. What is Laertes' advice to Ophelia?

Don't get too close to Hamlet; he'll say things he doesn't mean. He can't be trusted and is of higher birth so it wouldn't work out anyway.

2. How does "The canker galls the infants of the spring/too oft before their buttons be disclos'd" fit into the ideology of the decaying garden?

It's basically saying that the worm injures the young plants before their buds are opened. Laertes is talking about how Hamlet will ruin Ophelia in the prime of her youth, mainly by taking her innocence (virginity).

3. What analogy does Ophelia give to her brother as an answer to his advice? What does she mean?

Basically, she tells him to practice what you preach. She talks about a hypocritical priest. She's bringing up the fact that Laertes doesn't follow his own advice when he is in France.

4. List five of the "few precepts" that Polonius gives to Laertes.

Don't be vulgar; keep your good friends close to you; watch your tongue; don't be quick to judge; don't get into a fight, but if you do, hold your own; listen more than talk; don't dress gaudily; neither a borrower nor a lender be.

5. In lines 105-109, what is the metaphor that Polonius uses to describe Hamlet's words of love?

Polonius plays on the word "tenders". He says that Ophelia is a baby who takes Hamlet's love for true, when she should be careful and take care of herself or else she'll make Polonius and herself look like fools.

6. List and explain one metaphor found in the lines 115-135.

Polonius compares Hamlet's words to those of a solicitor or a broker who puts on different suits to mask their true implications. He also says that Hamlet's words give more light than heat, so don't take them for a fire, meaning that they sound good, but can't really be trusted.

7. What is Polonius' command to Ophelia?

She isn't allowed to see Hamlet anymore, or receive his letters or gifts.

8. In scene 4, what is Hamlet talking about in lines 13-38?

The tradition of drinking makes them seem like drunkards to other countries and gives them a bad name. No matter what good Denmark does, their faults will never be overlooked. A small amount of evil will overwhelm all of the good.

9. Why doesn't Horatio want Hamlet to follow the ghost?

Horatio is afraid that the ghost will lead Hamlet to his doom, either by taking him to a cliff or driving him to insanity/suicide.

10. What is Hamlet's command to the three guards?

He tells them to unhand him so he can follow the ghost alone.