Final answer:
Polonius instructs Reynaldo to indirectly determine Laertes' behavior in Act Two, Scene 1 of 'Hamlet' by spreading subtle hints or lies about his actions to gauge other people's responses. The correct answer is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Act Two, Scene 1 of William Shakespeare's Hamlet, Polonius instructs Reynaldo to go to Paris and engage in conversations to indirectly find out about Laertes' behavior.
Polonius suggests that Reynaldo should start by mentioning Laertes in a casual manner and then drop subtle hints or lies about Laertes engaging in minor vices to see if others confirm or deny these actions.
This indirect approach allows Polonius to learn of his son's conduct abroad without directly asking or arousing suspicion. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is c) Determine Laertes' behavior indirectly.