Why Is Listening Important In Hamlet

In the corrupt and complex world we live in, we often listen and observe others to find out information. We cannot make assumptions based on what we hear others say. The idea that we cannot always trust everything we hear comes with the feeling of being threatened by the truth. Often times, people hear what they want to hear, not actually the reality of the situation. The ear is a sensitive part of the human body that is susceptible to danger but also some of the greatest pleasures that life presents. This idea is presented throughout William Shakespeare's Hamlet as the characters use their ears and what they hear to eavesdrop and expose others. False rumors are often spread and people are punished for listening to conversations that they should not be listening to. Many characters find themselves listening to private conversations, which unfold personal information. Prior to Laertes departure for France, Polonius emphasizes the importance of not trusting everyone that he encounters, he says, ¨give every man thy ear, but few thy voice¨ (1.3.74). Polonius means that Laertes should listen what everyone has to say but not necessarily reveal too much about himself. This advice is important because you cannot trust what everyone says about themselves and others. This is also ironic because Polonius does not take his own advice into consideration, as he tends to reveal a lot about himself and babble on to those that he may not know that well. Laertes also advises that Ophelia does not trust what Hamlet says about his love for her. He believes that she is vulnerable and Hamlet's love is only temporary, not real feelings for her. He says, ¨if with too credent ear you list his songs / Or lose …show more content…
What one hears can often be overlooked and they can be convinced of something without seeing it with their own eyes. Trust is something that is not easily established but can be broken very quickly. Once broken, trust can never be