Polonius played a key role in Hamlet even though he wasn't one of the main characters. It continued to reinforce the theme of corruption and showed the social and ethical collapse of Denmark. His deceitful actions show the reader that he is a crook and a cheat. In the play, Polonius was portrayed as someone who is a deceiver and a pretender who betrays the people he is supposed to be devoted to; and who only cares about things that will benefit him. These characteristics of Polonius are visible through his interactions with Ophelia, Hamlet, Laertes, Raynald, and the King. Polonius can be depicted as having two faces. This is evident in his interactions with the king. Polonius was loyal and faithful to King Hamlet, Gertrude and Hamlet. Polonius was still King Hamlet's loyal advisor, jumping from the wagon whenever he saw there was something he could gain. However, her loyalty to the king and Prince Hamlet was limited. Polonius declares his loyalty to Claudius, the new king in the following speech: "I assure my good lord, I hold my duty as I hold my soul, both to God and to my gracious king..." If Polonius was truly faithful to King Hamlet, he would not have supported the devious and cruel Claudius. He claims that his soul belongs to God, but if he had been a committed Christian, as he claims to be, he would have been faithful to his children and the King. Polonius is selfish and only cares about his own well-being. Polonius doesn't care about Ophelia and her relationship with Hamlet, but only cares about making him look bad. Polonius is more concerned with his position in relation to King Claudius than his position in relation to his daughter's thoughts and feelings. When he discusses Hamlet's love with her, he states, "You will mock me," a...... middle of paper...... on Polonius, "Thou wretched, reckless foolish intruder, farewell! I have thee taken for your best...let me twist your heart for I will if it were made of impenetrable material...” (III.iv.31-36) It is evident, throughout the work, that Polonius lacks compassion and respect. Ultimately, Polonius faces the ultimate consequence of all his actions: death. Works Cited "Introduction to Shakespeare's Polonius from Hamlet." 2014. "Hamlet Haven: Polonius." Hamlet Haven: Polonius Np, nd, Sun. 20 April 2014 "Polonius." Polonius. 22 April 2014. Shakespeare, William. Sylvan Barnet, William Burto and William E. Cain. 10th ed. New York: Pearson, 2013. Print.Stimpson, Catherine R. “Polonius, Our American Scholar.”. 2002): 97-108.