Hamlet+1.3

7. I don't understand why my own brother (Laertes) and own father (Polonius) insist on telling me bad things about young Hamlet. Both of them told me that Hamlet is only saying he loves me, but soon that could change because Hamlet has to make decisions based on what the people of Denmark want. He cannot make decisions based on what he wants himself. How is that fair? Shouldn't I be able to choose for myself what type of guy Hamlet is without my own family members continuously telling me to be careful of Hamlet?

5. Laertes, Ophelia's brother, seems to be a very kind and loving brother. However, he might be a little too loving. He does not allow Ophelia to make decisions herself; therefore, she is going to be at a loss once Laertes leaves. Laertes insists that Hamlet is bad news. Hamlet might tell Ophelia that he loves her, but it could be a lie. I get the fact that Laertes just wants to look out for his sister, but how will she ever learn if she is unable to experience things for herself. Once Laertes leaves, I believe Ophelia's father, Polonius, will step in and advise Ophelia what to do.

4. Laertes says, "(For he himself is subject to his birth.) / He may not, as unvalued persons do,/ Carve for himself, for on his choice depends / The safety and the health of this whole state" (1.3.20-24). This quote displays the fact that although Hamlet may have feelings for Ophelia, how far can those feelings go? There is a point in which Hamlet is unable to truly have feelings himself because his decision will always affect Denmark.