DRJ#2

Initial Reaction:   It seems to me that there was a lot of sneaking around in act 2.  Everyone seemed to be plotting something.   Polonius and his foolish schemes to find out the truth behind Hamlet’s feelings for Ophilia remind me of the coyote going after the roadrunner.

Character Analysis:   The character I chose for Act 2 was Polonius.  First off this guy is hilarious. He thinks he is Socrates or something with all of his long drawn out speeches giving advice.  Anytime Hamlet is sarcastic Polonius has no idea and seriously believes Hamlet is going crazy.  It seems as though he tries to be logical, but ironically it points out how much of a idiot he really is.

Theme Analysis:   For the theme I picked love/family/friendship.  This theme is illustrated throughout the play, not just the second act.  Shakespeare uses irony to expose the theme in the character Polonius’ actions and words.  For example, Polonius attempts to find out about what his son, Laertes, has been up to and  goes about it in a strange manner telling Reynaldo, “You, laying these slight sullies on my son as ‘twere a thing a little soiled i’th’working- mark you your party in converse, him you would sound , having ever seen in the prenominate crimes the youth you breathe guilty, be assured he closes with you “Good Sir” or so, or “Friend,” or “Gentleman” act 2 scene 1 lines39-47.  This is ironic because a caring, respectful father would not go through all this deception and sneaking around.