Hamlet, Act 1, Scene 3 summary
Act 1, Scene 3 of 20 · 5 min to read the scene
In Act 1, Scene 3, Laertes warns Ophelia against trusting Hamlet’s affection, and Polonius gives his departing son advice about conduct, friendship, and money. After Laertes leaves, Polonius dismisses Hamlet’s promises and orders Ophelia to stop speaking with him; she agrees to obey.
What happens
- Laertes prepares to sail and asks Ophelia to write to him.
- He warns that Hamlet’s rank limits his freedom to choose a partner and urges Ophelia to protect her honor.
- Ophelia accepts the warning but tells Laertes to follow his own moral advice.
- Polonius blesses Laertes and gives him rules for managing speech, friendships, quarrels, clothing, and money.
- After Laertes departs, Ophelia tells Polonius that Hamlet expresses love and supports it with sacred promises.
- Polonius rejects those promises as deceptive and commands Ophelia to avoid conversation with Hamlet; she agrees.
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In this scene
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What does Polonius order Ophelia to do about Hamlet?
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