Polonius, in Hamlet, is a minor character whose deceitful ways show the audience that he is one of many characters who lack sincerity and integrity. Throughout Hamlet Polonius is a hypocrite who looks out for his own interests, and betrays those he should be loyal to. These aspects of his character are exposed in his relationships with the King, Ophelia, and Laertes.
Polonius is two-faced in his interactions with people. One example of this is his relationship with the King. Polonius was King Hamlet's loyal servant, well liked and trusted by King Hamlet and Prince Hamlet. But his loyalty to King and Prince Hamlet is partial. Polonius declares his loyalty to Claudius, the new King in the following speech, "I assure my good liege, I hold my duty as I hold my soul, both to God and to my gracious king." (Act 2.Scene ii.43-45). If Polonius was actually loyal to King Hamlet, he would have never supported the cunning, murderous Claudius.
This speech addresses the issue of Polonius" moral integrity as well. He claims that his soul belongs to God. Yet if he was the devoted Christian that he claimed to be, he would have been honorable and loyal to his children and King Hamlet. Another Christian value which Polonius talks about is honor. Polonius says to Ophelia, "You do not understand yourself so clearly as it behooves my daughter and your honor"(Act 1.Scene iii.96). This scene shows how hypocritical he is. We find him constantly doing dishonorable deeds, yet he is preaching to Ophelia to act honorably. .
Polonius" conversations with his son further prove his two-faced, betraying nature. Polonius sends Laertes off to France with a few words of wisdom in Act I Scene iii, lines 59-81. "This above all: to thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man." It would be good advice if it were coming from a virtuous, honorable man. But, since Polonius says it, it can't be taken seriously.
