Final answer:
Yes, Polonius can be seen as the Shakespearean equivalent of a 'helicopter parent.' He is overly involved in his children's lives and constantly monitors their actions, similar to the behavior of a helicopter parent.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, Polonius can be seen as the Shakespearean equivalent of a "helicopter parent." In the play, Polonius is overly involved in his children's lives, constantly monitoring their actions and giving unsolicited advice. This is similar to the behavior of a helicopter parent, who hovers over their children and tries to control every aspect of their lives. For example, Polonius eavesdrops on his daughter Ophelia's conversations with Hamlet and gives her instructions on how to behave around him. This behavior can be seen as a reflection of the parental pressures and expectations of the time, where parents were heavily involved in arranging marriages and monitoring their children's actions.