Hamlet Notes ~ Act II Scene I

• Polonius seems to be sending monetary gifts as well as word to his son Laertes through Reynaldo > also asks Reynaldo to bring news about his son, to see whether his son is being unruly > Reynaldo is told to question Laertes' friends and say things such as "isn't he wild" and report back their reactions
• "That's not my meaning: but breathe his faults so quaintly" > Laertes faults being "Ay, or drinking, fencing, swearing, quarrelling, Drabbing: you may go so far."
• Polonius also wants to know what other Danes are in Paris
• Characterization: way Polonius operates, he plays tricks, thinks he is very smart (although he loses his train of thought)
• "bait of falsehood takes this carp of truth."
• "By indirections find directions out."
• Reynaldo departs, and Ophelia enters
• Ophelia runs in scared, Hamlet seemingly crazy (as he claimed he would act) entered her room, clothes loosened and practically falling off; he grabbed her by the wrist, sighed profoundly and then exited
• Polonius immediately wishes to tell the King that Hamlet is "deeply in love" with Ophelia, and that her rejection has driven him mad > other reasons for Hamlet's actions: all part of his plan, Ophelia is lying, Hamlet is feeling the pressure of his revenge
• "More grief to hide than hate to utter love."