Advice to Ophelia

In my opinion, Laertes' and Polonius' advice to Ophelia reflects their overbearing and overprotective attitudes. It is clear that these two men lack the proper background on Hamlet and his feelings. They are repeating desire to emphasize that Hamlet is not good for her shows how Laertes and Polonius wish to be more involved in analyzing Ophelia's relationship. I believe that judgment and concerns from family members are vital to hear when in a committed relationship, however as an audience we can sense that Laertes and Polonius are not even allowing Ophelia the chance to experience love without criticism. As a young adult, relationships teach lessons, especially what an individual likes and dislikes. Ophelia has not been granted this time to fully synthesize her feelings and wrap her head around this relationship. While Laertes and Polonius do bring up the point that Hamlet may be "wooing" her with love vows and expressions of romance, it is not right for these two men to interfere with a natural human relationship. Their warning of Hamlet's nature is more a forceful "telling" than "warning," as though she is not able to make her own decisions as a young woman.