Question

In Hamlet, most of the advice Polonius gives Laertes concerns etiquette and ways to make a good impression on other people. Name the precept from Polonius's farewell speech to his son that seems to contain the best advice on how to be a good person rather than look like a successful person.

Answer 1

Polonius's advice to 'To thine own self be true' in Hamlet is the precept best representing how to be a good person, highlighting the importance of authenticity and personal integrity.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Shakespeare's Hamlet, Polonius offers Laertes a wealth of advice, but the precept that seems to contain the best advice on how to be a good person, rather than merely appear as a successful person, is 'To thine own self be true.' This piece of advice suggests that authenticity and integrity are paramount, and that one should act according to their own principles and conscience rather than conforming to the expectations of others just to achieve success. This precept urges Laertes, and the audience by extension, to value personal ethics over social facades.

Answer 2

In Hamlet, some of the main rules from Polonius's farewell speech to his son Laertes are the following:

Polonius advises Laertes to refrain from sharing his thoughts with others and not to be passionate. Polonius also tells his son to be kind to people, to keep in touch with his old friends but to be moderate when adopting new friends. For Polonius, it was more important to listen than talk.

Besides, Laertes was talked to wear elegant outfits but not to be arrogant, to refrain from borrowing or granting money, and to be sincere to himself beyond all circumstances.