Hamlet #2

                In the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare, the family dynamic between Hamlet, his mother, and Claudius is very unstable. However, the family dynamic between Laertes, Ophelia, and Polonius is very stable. Ophelia is currently dating Hamlet, but Polonius does not want his daughter dating Hamlet. After Polonius voices his negative opinion of Hamlet, Ophelia says, “I shall obey, my lord” (I.iii.145). Instead of being a defiant teenager, Ophelia respects her father’s opinion of Hamlet. Ophelia’s response shows that she has a great respect for her father. On the contrary, Hamlet has no respect for Claudius as is shown when Hamlet publicly ridicules his mother and Claudius in front of the entire council. Laertes’ respect for Polonius is shown when Claudius is told leave by Polonius: “Most humbly do I take my leave, my lord” (I.iii.87). Laertes never talks back to his father; he simply obeys Polonius’ wishes. All in all, Laertes and Ophelia have a great respect for their father, while Hamlet does not hesitate to voice his disapproval of his mother’s and Claudius’ choices.