.
It is quite possible that Laertes has a variety of his own reasons for warning his sister away. Laertes is probably very sincere, as he wishes only the best for his sister. It is possible that he is bothered by Hamlet's recent behavior. Hamlet has been dressing only in black, and he has been mourning his dead father. It is also possible that Laertes is worried because he knows that Hamlet is not going back to college and therefore will have more free time. Perhaps Laertes knows something about Hamlet's reputation. Whatever his reasons, Laertes does not want Ophelia's buttons to be disclosed. Modestly, she covers them up. Ophelia answers that she will "the effect of this good lesson keep." Yet she turns the tables on her brother, and says that she hopes that he is taking his own advice. She hopes that Laertes is not engaged in some "dalliance" himself She is worried that Laertes is going to "reck" his own "rede.".
Furthermore, not only does Ophelia have to take in the monotonous advice of her brother, her father also gives her similar advice. Polonius informs her that she is a "green girl," and she should "think" herself "a baby" as she has "ta"en these tenders for true pay Which are not sterling." Polonius is under the impression that Hamlet's advances towards his daughter have no true meaning and are not fuelled by real love. Polonius advises his daughter that Hamlet could not possibly be serious, though he knows "when the blood burns, how prodigal the soul lends the tongue vows." Polonius realises that one can become too overwhelmed with lust to realise the obvious. He warns Ophelia that she "must not" take Hamlet's promises for "fire." They will be "extinct," soon, he says. Finally, like Laertes, Polonius advises Ophelia to remain a virgin, and he tells her, "Do not believe his vows". Polonius is afraid that Hamlet may be trying to pursue sexual favors from her. He orders her not to give "words or talk" to Hamlet.
