PRE-READING
Many are the instances of elder advising young ones on various issues. Have you noticed the anxiety of elders for the young? Have you observed how many areas they want to cover in one go? Out of their concern for the young, they don't even see if the young are able to follow their words. Keep on keenly examining the advice of different persons, and you can discover many strange facts about the nature of elders. Start now! Begin with advice Polonius to his son! Read on....,get benefitted and grow wiser
ABOUT THE POEM
The present poem is a part of Shakespeare's popular tragedy Hamlet, Act-i science. Polonius is the chief counselor of King Claudius. His son Laertes is about to leave for France to join a university. it is then that Polonius offers him his blessings and many pieces of advice. Polonius shows his desire to be known as a sincere father. This list of important moral maxims contains ethical substance but not practical wisdom. For a man of about twenty, putting these pieces of advice into practice may not be easy or even practical. Shakespeare is at his best in packing the poem with wit and wisdom. in such a compact space, he conveys a lot of content, proving his own saying that 'brevity is the soul of wit'.Polonius advised his son to think well before speaking and to think carefully before acting. He asks him to be friendly with others but warns him not to cross the limits of decency and privacy. He recommends making friends with others but cautions him to distingue between a true friend and a false one. He exhorts his son to avoid fights, but if for some reasons cannot, to put fear into the opponent. He suggests that his son should listen to all but speak less. He also wants his son to receive advice from all but reserve his opinion to himself. His son may buy nice clothes but should not look showy. His most famous piece of advice is not to lend or borrow money. Lending leads to loss of money and friends. Borrowing proves our inability to manage our budget. And to top it all, Polonius wishes his son to be true to himself, that is to be individualistic. The poem is known as a commendable compilation of oft-quoted adages and sayings.
