LIB 102
Journal Entry Week 2
LIB 102: Human Questions
From my viewpoint, Ophelia had a more perilous situation than any of the other
characters in this play. The play begins with a sweet, innocent, (presumably) young, woman
whose only task in life is to stay submissive and honorable. As Ophelia speaks with her brother,
Laertes in Act I, she remains obedient as she tells him, “’Tis in my memory locked, and you
yourself shall keep the key of it,’” (Hamlet, Act I, Sc. 3). This begins a prodigious journey for
Ophelia. Shortly after Ophelia hears from Laertes that Hamlet does not love or care for her,
Polonius, her father enters the scene. Polonius enquires about her own honor and Hamlet’s love,
and tells his daughter, “You do not understand yourself so clearly.” Polonius then proclaims,
“Marry; I will teach you. Think yourself a baby. That you have ta’en these tenders for true pay.
Which are not sterling. Tender yourself more dearly or – not to crack the wind in poor phrase,
running it this – you’ll tender me a fool,” ( Hamlet, Act I, Sc. 3). Polonius essentially tells
Ophelia that if she does not stop her foolhardiness, it will cause anguish for their names. If she
continues to give her heart and love so willingly to men she does not love, she will be
impregnated and end up with a bastard child. Ophelia attempts to convince Polonius that what
Hamlet has said is true love and he meant it honorably, but it is to no avail. Polonius’ final
statement, “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
bawds. The better to beguile. This is for all. I would not in plain terms, from this time forth have
you so slander a moment’s leisure. As to give words or talk with the Lord Hamlet. Look to’t, I
charge you. Come you ways.” Again, Ophelia decries her obedience to her father. She doesn’t
throw a tantrum, put forth an argument, or rebellion. Because of her faith, Ophelia chooses to
follow her father’s advice.
Journal Entry Week 2
LIB 102: Human Questions
From my viewpoint, Ophelia had a more perilous situation than any of the other
characters in this play. The play begins with a sweet, innocent, (presumably) young, woman
whose only task in life is to stay submissive and honorable. As Ophelia speaks with her brother,
Laertes in Act I, she remains obedient as she tells him, “’Tis in my memory locked, and you
yourself shall keep the key of it,’” (Hamlet, Act I, Sc. 3). This begins a prodigious journey for
Ophelia. Shortly after Ophelia hears from Laertes that Hamlet does not love or care for her,
Polonius, her father enters the scene. Polonius enquires about her own honor and Hamlet’s love,
and tells his daughter, “You do not understand yourself so clearly.” Polonius then proclaims,
“Marry; I will teach you. Think yourself a baby. That you have ta’en these tenders for true pay.
Which are not sterling. Tender yourself more dearly or – not to crack the wind in poor phrase,
running it this – you’ll tender me a fool,” ( Hamlet, Act I, Sc. 3). Polonius essentially tells
Ophelia that if she does not stop her foolhardiness, it will cause anguish for their names. If she
continues to give her heart and love so willingly to men she does not love, she will be
impregnated and end up with a bastard child. Ophelia attempts to convince Polonius that what
Hamlet has said is true love and he meant it honorably, but it is to no avail. Polonius’ final
statement, “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
bawds. The better to beguile. This is for all. I would not in plain terms, from this time forth have
you so slander a moment’s leisure. As to give words or talk with the Lord Hamlet. Look to’t, I
charge you. Come you ways.” Again, Ophelia decries her obedience to her father. She doesn’t
throw a tantrum, put forth an argument, or rebellion. Because of her faith, Ophelia chooses to
follow her father’s advice.
