
William Shakespeare in order to show how a normal father and son relation be like presented the relationship between Polonius and Laertes.

But the fact that these words are written by Shakespeare definitely makes it worth quoting for more than 400 years now as quotes on wisdom and human behaviour. These words of wisdom, coming from a character like Polonius is pompous and hypocritical. He sends someone to spy on his son, he also spies on his daughter, interferes in her love life and contributed to her suicide. Also, the character of Polonius in the play is unpleasant. Polonius in the same conversation was found suggesting his son not to lend money to a friend, today it is recognized as words of wisdom. It would mean that “ One must think about his benefit first“. If it’s true, then the entire meaning changes. Many scholars believe that the correct meaning of the word “True” in the phrase is “Beneficial”. But keeping in mind the character of Polonius in the play. But the most commonly understood meaning is “ Being true to yourself” or “ One must always do the right thing“. My blessing season this in thee.Īct 1, Scene 3, (Line- 78) - Hamlet Meaning and Context of “To Thine Own Self Be True”ĭifferent meanings can be associated with the phrase “To Thine Own Self Be True”. This above all: to thine own self be true,Īnd it must follow, as the night the day,įarewell.
#MEANING OF HAMLET FULL#
This article will give you, full meaning and context of this Hamlet Quote. People use it in all the languages and different context, even without realizing that those are Shakespeare Quotes. Other advice includes such “ Give every man thy ear but few thy voice“, “ Neither a borrower nor a lender be“.Īll the advice given by Polonius are very popular and used very commonly. It is the last of all advice given by Polonius to his son Laertes before he was leaving for France. “To Thine Own Self Be True” are the words of wisdom by Polonius in Act 1, Scene 3, Hamlet.

To Thine Own Self Be True “being true to yourself”
