Polonius: The Definition Of A Friend
What is a friend? According to the English dictionary, a friend is someone with whom an affectionate bond is shared with. This definition can be interpreted in many different ways in regards to what a friend does or the boundaries a friend has, but all interpretations have one thing in common and that is the special bond between people. The loss of a friendship is an inexplicable feeling that can often cause sorrow in one’s heart. In Hamlet, Polonius states: Neither a borrower nor a lender be, For loan oft loses both itself and friend, And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry (Act I Scene iii) In this quote, Polonius conveys the importance of conserving the special bond shared with another. He also states that by lending a friend money, one
loses not only the money but the friendship as well. Likewise, my Father has always reminded me that while I may have close relations with another person, I cannot always expect them to accommodate to my needs and I cannot ask too much of my close bonds otherwise they can collapse. In this way Polonius is trying to show Laertes that he cannot ask too much of a friend or give to much to another. Giving or taking too much may result in an imbalance in the relationship, which can potentially destroy the close bond.
loses not only the money but the friendship as well. Likewise, my Father has always reminded me that while I may have close relations with another person, I cannot always expect them to accommodate to my needs and I cannot ask too much of my close bonds otherwise they can collapse. In this way Polonius is trying to show Laertes that he cannot ask too much of a friend or give to much to another. Giving or taking too much may result in an imbalance in the relationship, which can potentially destroy the close bond.