Although the audience is aware of the true explanation for Hamlet’s behavior (his father’s ghost), Polonius perceives the occurrence as “common for the younger sort” since they “lack discretion” and believes his daughter’s denial of the Prince is the actual reason behind his behavior (2.2. 129-130). In turn, this illustrates how Polonius was quick to base his judgment upon that of which his daughter saw and heard which sets the play up for the pursuing developing scenes. The use of sight and hearing are also important; as Polonius and King Claudius hide to observe Hamlet, they shall confirm or deny what they believe to know is the problem. The ambiguity continues in Scene 2, as both the King and Queen request Hamlet’s two school friends to spy on him and discover the belittling reason for his temper since they are unaware themselves. At the same time, Hamlet seemingly shifts from an aggravated, determined, revenge-stricken attitude to a focused, observant, witty figure who, although ‘deranged’, “knows a hawk from a handsaw”
Although the audience is aware of the true explanation for Hamlet’s behavior (his father’s ghost), Polonius perceives the occurrence as “common for the younger sort” since they “lack discretion” and believes his daughter’s denial of the Prince is the actual reason behind his behavior (2.2. 129-130). In turn, this illustrates how Polonius was quick to base his judgment upon that of which his daughter saw and heard which sets the play up for the pursuing developing scenes. The use of sight and hearing are also important; as Polonius and King Claudius hide to observe Hamlet, they shall confirm or deny what they believe to know is the problem. The ambiguity continues in Scene 2, as both the King and Queen request Hamlet’s two school friends to spy on him and discover the belittling reason for his temper since they are unaware themselves. At the same time, Hamlet seemingly shifts from an aggravated, determined, revenge-stricken attitude to a focused, observant, witty figure who, although ‘deranged’, “knows a hawk from a handsaw”