Father In Hamlet Research Paper

A father’s goal is for their children to transcend him and to carry on the honor of the family name, this is what Shakespeare tried to display with the three fathers throughout the book. The “father” roles in Hamlet are used to develop themes of conflict between characters of the story which can lead to negative results. It is an important role because if it weren’t for the way they act, then the play would have been portrayed differently.
Polonius has a son named Laertes and a daughter named Ophelia. He wanted what is best for his children even though it does not seem like it. When Laertes left went off to England, Polonius gave him fatherly advice, “To thine own self be true.” (I.iii.78) This quote shows that how much love a father has for his son. Polonius encourages his son to be true to himself and to never borrow or lend money. He also advises his son to fight boldly if there is a time to do so. After giving advice to his son, he goes to his daughter to give her advice, “In few Ophelia, do not believe his vows, for they are brokers, not for that dye which their investments …show more content…
This puts Hamlet in an unusual and uncomfortable situation because he feels that his mother is moving too quickly with the relationship. Claudius is very loving to Hamlet and treats him as if he were his son. Claudius gives a speech to Hamlet and focuses on Hamlet’s dying father. He starts off giving fatherly advice to Hamlet, “Tis sweet and commendable in your nature/ Hamlet/ To give these mourning duties to your father/ But you must know your father lost a father.” (I.ii.90-94) He tells Hamlet that the mourning for his father has gone for too long although it is sweet it is time for it to come to an end. Claudius’s tone is disloyal as he is giving Hamlet fatherly advice because not only did he kill Hamlet’s father, he also wants to get rid of Hamlet. Claudius only wants desire and lust for