Polonius

In the play, Hamlet by William Shakespeare, the character Polonius distinguishes himself as a very unorthodox father figure. First of all, when imparting some last minute advice to Laertes before he leaves, Polonius says, "This above all: to thine own self be true" (1.3.84). In this line, he has more of a compassionate tone towards Laertes, because he wants Laertes to listen and follow the advice in order to uphold the family name. It's not as if Polonius just wants Laertes to have good morals, its just in self interest. While talking to Ophelia about her relations with Hamlet, Polonius says, "Affection, puh! You speak like a green girl unsifted in such perilous circumstance" (1.3.110-111). His tone in this situation is much more offensive and mocking. It is almost as if he has no respect for Ophelia and her feelings whatsoever and that her affection is stupid. This shows that Polonius is not a very supportive father. So what do we have about Polonius? He is selfish, not supportive, and only cares about his reputation. This doesn't sound like a very good father to me. If I had him as a father, I know that I wouldn't be the same kind of person I am today. If there is anything to learn from Polonius's role in the family, it is that I am grateful for the father that I have and am glad that my father thinks about the entire family as opposed to just himself.