Hamlet: discussion question #4

Both Laertes and Polonius are subjugating Ophelia by asserting that the preservation of her chastity is more important than her happiness. If her chastity is lost then she is considered a tainted woman, unfit of marriage to any man of status. Her marriage to Hamlet needs to be an absolutely sure thing before any advances are to be made in pursuit of a relationship. The arguments are incredibly similar and both seem sufficiently unfair. Polonius' advice to disregard Hamlet's advances and cut off contact completely seems like the most harsh reaction possible, and it's all in order to halt some pretty innocent advances... It's an exaggerated over reaction that does nothing but cause worry and stress for Ophelia. Their objectification of Ophelia is indicative of their self-interest. The two of them only want to preserve Ophelia's chastity because she remains to be a valuable potential wife to any suitors but if that chastity was lost then Ophelia would become an economic burden on both Polonius and Laertes. This view of women as economic burdens is extremely chauvinistic and outdated in modern times. The fact that Hamlet is royalty means that he has the freedom to choose whichever bride he wishes and is the reason that Laertes and Polonius are so concerned in the first place. Letting Hamlet spoil Ophelia and not choose her for his wife would be a tragedy for the family.