Hamlet: Polonius Character Analysis

Furthermore, power struggle in a feudal society results in everyone considering advancement as a need when it solely depends on one's circumstances. Polonius attempts to find solid evidence of Ophelia being the ultimate cure of Hamlet's madness by showing love letters from Hamlet to Ophelia because "he is mad, 'tis true 'tis true 'tis pity, [a]nd pity 'tis 'tis true: a foolish figure;" (2.2.95-98). Polonius is already a part of the bourgeoisie class since he is advisor to the king but he doesn't necessarily need to improve his status. He has two kids and it would be in all of their interest for Polonius to dedicate his time and effort to showing them fatherly love. Although it is agreed that he wants his children to progress in terms of economic
Claudius is already King Hamlet's brother and when one is at that sort of position, there is not very much room for improvement and if there is, it involves going against virtues and values. Therefore, power struggle for Claudius who is extreme bourgeosie even during King Hamlet’s lifetime, is not necessary and only results in a corrupt soul. Shakespeare is implying that someone staying in a social class/position for too long can motivate someone else to misuse the superstructure of society and advance forward. Next, the desire for power is there on behalf of everyone but it is not granted to everyone, in fact, "[a]ccording to Shakespeare, the value of life is in heroic struggle even if this struggle ends in defeat" (Smirnov
Therefore, it is “an indication of the general corruption of the age, of universal and irreparable evil." (Smirnov 1). Whether one is proletariat or bourgeoisie, they want to move forward so there is practically no limit. Even if Prince Fortinbras becomes king of Denmark, there will always be someone who is jealous of his social status and will find a way to take over. Therefore, Shakespeare is implying through Hamlet that one person leading a state or country is not the way to go; instead, there should be no dictator-like leadership at all. Class struggle also makes a society corrupt in the sense that members of the bourgeoise class are so busy in their luxury activities that they “ [succeed] in [withdrawing] [their] sexual impulses from [their] mothers, and in forgetting [their] jealousy of [their] fathers.” (Freud 2). On the other hand, proletariat members might be stuck in Oedipus complex and when they seek the assistance of those higher than them, they will not get it; therefore demonstrating the tension and clash between poor and rich. From the opinion of a sincere religious person, Hamlet would be categorized as proletariat because he has everything except the most important thing being attention from the ones he loves and whom loves him back. No matter how much Claudius tries to love him, he will always be a