Languages and themes

Who's this? Richard Cordery plays Polonius.

Context: Act 1 Scene 3 The departure of Laertes.

Did you know? In Elizabethan English you could use 'thou' and 'you' either to distinguish singular and plural or to show familiarity and formality - just as in many European languages. Shakespeare uses 'you' either for more than one person or to be more formal or distant - (like 'vous' in French) For an informal or subservient relationship he uses 'thee' or 'thou' - (just like 'tu' in French). It seems likely that the Norman occupation of England influenced the use of language in this way.

Think about: Polonius speaking:

to Laertes

• This is his son, another man; he is letting him go into the world.
• He uses 'thee' and 'thou' throughout his speech of farewell advice.
• His words show equality and intimacy.

to Ophelia

• To Ophelia he is more distant - she's a woman.
• He uses 'you' throughout - more formal, more controlling.
• He refers to her as a possession advising her to set the price of her company 'at a higher rate'.