Hamlet: Act 1 Scene 3 - Summary

Back to Courses

Act 1 Scene 3 - Notes

Contextual Info:

  • Hamlet Act 1 Scene 3 involves Laertes, Ophelia, and Polonius
  • We learned in Hamlet Act 1 Scene 2 that Polonius is one of the members of Claudius’ royal court, and a political advisor to the King (Claudius)
  • We also learned that Lartes and Ophelia are Polonius’ children
  • In this scene, we see Laertes getting ready to go back to his studies in France and he bids his sister a farewell message about her relations with Hamlet
  • In this scene we also get to see Polonius’ character development as a rather funny and sometimes silly person

Plot Summary:

  • As Laertes prepares to leave, he asks his sister to send letters so they keep in touch (1.3.1-4)
  • Laertes also reveals that Hamlet has recently been showing affection for Ophelia - Laertes tells his sister to consider Hamlet’s advances as merely light, flirty actions and not as intentions of true love (1.3.6-48)
  • Part of Laertes’ reason for warning his sister to stay away from Hamlet is because he believes that even if Hamlet and Ophelia do start a relationship, Hamlet’s position as prince of Denmark will keep him too occupied with his royal duties to properly love and care for Ophelia
  • Ophelia responds by saying she will keep her brother’s lesson close to heart, but she also expresses her wishes for him to also follow his own advice
  • Polonius enters the scene and begins a lengthy speech with a rather ironic opening: He tells Laertes to hurry and quickly get going, but then proceeds to ramble on about various life lessons and things to watch out for (1.3.60-87)
  • Laertes says farewell and Polonius asks Ophelia what her and her brother were talking about earlier
  • Polonius, again in rather lengthy terms, gives Ophelia a long speech about not accepting Hamlet’s romantic advances. Polonius tells his daughter that Hamlet’s love for her is merely youthful infatuation and nothing serious. He then commands his daughter to not ever be caught speaking to Hamlet again. As Ophelia obeys, the scene comes to a close.

Are the line numbers different in your book? Here’s why:

There are many different versions of Shakespeare’s works throughout the world, and different versions sometimes interpret dialogue line numbers differently. At Nerdstudy, we follow the Folger version of Shakespeare’s works, which may be different from the version you are using. Always make sure that you refer to your instructor’s recommendations about which version of the play you’re using in class and whether they will grade you based on accuracy of line numbers for essays, tests, and assignments. Folger Digital Texts is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported license.

What is the relationship between Laertes and Ophelia?

They are siblings and Laertes is apathetic (indifferent, not-caring) about Ophelia's life choices.
They are siblings and Laertes is quite interested in restricting Ophelia's freedom. Polonius is quite bossy and opinionated as well.
They are lovers and Laertes is apathetic (indifferent, not-caring) about Ophelia's life choices.
They are lovers and Laertes is quite interested in restricting Ophelia's freedom. Polonius, on the other hand, does not care about Ophelia's life choices.
Login to try these questions

How do Laertes' and Polonius' advice to Ophelia, regarding Hamlet, differ?

Laertes says to be careful of Hamlet, while Polonius commands her never to speak with Hamlet
Laertes commands Ophelia to never speak to Hamlet, while Polonius commands her to not to spend time with Hamlet
Laertes recommends that Ophelia not give up her treasure to Hamlet, while Polonius commands her to never be caught spending time with Hamlet
Laertes recommends that Ophelia not trust Hamlet, while Polonius gives his daughter his blessings to go forth and allow Hamlet to court her
Login to try these questions

In the beginning of the scene, what does Laertes warn Ophelia about?

Her father, Polonius
Falling in love with Horatio
Falling in love with Hamlet
Falling in love with him (Laertes)
Login to try these questions

Why is Laertes against Ophelia’s feelings for Hamlet

Hamlet is part of royal family and has royal responsibilities as prince of Denmark
Hamlet has a grudge against Laertes
Hamlet has a grudge against Polonius
Hamlet has a history of being a lady-killer
Login to try these questions