Final answer:
In 'Hamlet,' Polonius's obsession with family hierarchy and power reflects social Darwinist ideas, insofar as he exhibits a 'survival of the fittest' mentality within the social and political spheres of the play.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks how Polonius's obsession might be linked to social Darwinism in the play 'Hamlet.' Social Darwinism is a theory derived from a misreading of Charles Darwin's work, asserting that only the socially strongest survive in a way akin to natural selection. This principle was later used to justify various social inequalities and colonialist attitudes. Within the context of 'Hamlet,' Polonius's obsession with family hierarchy could reflect social Darwinist ideas. His preoccupation with positioning his family in a place of power and ensuring his lineage prospers may parallel the idea that only the “fittest” in society should thrive. However, it's important to note that Polonius uses the political cunning and manipulation of information rather than evolutionary theory to achieve his goals. His actions could be said to demonstrate a survival of the fittest mentality in a social and political context, rather than a biological one.