Hamlet

Sc. 3, lines 100-113: what point does Polonius want to make through his play on the word tender?

Ophelia: "He hath, my lord, of late made many tenders Of his affection to me."

Polonius: "Affection, puh! You speak like a green girl Unsifted in such perilous circumstance. Do you believe his 'tenders,' as you call them?"

Ophelia: "I do not know, my lord, what I should think."

Polonius: "Marry, I will teach teach you. Think of 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 of the poor phrase, Running it thus) you'll tender me a fool."

Ophelia: "My lord, he hath importuned me with love In honorable fashion--"

Polonius: "Ay, 'fashion' you may call it. Go to, go to!"

- What is the tone of his comments to Ophelia?

- How does this tone affect the audience's view of Hamlet?

- Explain.

- How does this passage lend to the developing view of Polonius?

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Tender has a double meaning hear. Ophelia says that Hamlet has made sincere proclamations of his love for her. Polonius answers, Tender yourself more dearly. Polonius means Ophelia should be more careful and discerning to who she gives her affections to.

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