What is the significance of Hamlet calling Polonius a fishmonger?

SARAH: Hamlet’s next line to Polonius is a subtle insult. Since Polonius claims he’s not a fishmonger, Hamlet says he wishes that Polonius were as honest as an ordinary tradesman — a fishmonger might not necessarily be renowned for his honesty, but apparently, in Hamlet’s eyes, Polonius’s virtues are even lower.

What happens in the fishmonger scene in Hamlet?

Hamlet knows very well who Polonius is, but to continue with is craziness, Hamlet calls Polonius a “fishmonger,” or someone who sells fish. Hamlet insults Polonius again by saying he needs his beard trimmed and he only enjoys the sex scenes, making Polonius out to be a dirty old man.

What insult does Polonius call?

Hamlet knows very well who Polonius is, but to continue with is craziness, Hamlet calls Polonius a “fishmonger,” or someone who sells fish. He does not mean it literally, but it is actually slang for “pimp.” Hamlet thinks Polonius put his selfishness in front of his daughter’s happiness by making her dump Hamlet.

Are you a fish monger?

A fishmonger (historically fishwife for female practitioners) is someone who sells raw fish and seafood. Fishmongers can be wholesalers or retailers and are trained at selecting and purchasing, handling, gutting, boning, filleting, displaying, merchandising and selling their product.

How say you by that still harping on my daughter?

Conception is a blessing, but, as your daughter may conceive—Friend, look to it. How say you by that? Still harping on my daughter. Yet he knew me not at first.

Why are there guards on the castle walls?

Why are guards on the castle walls? Denmark is increasing it’s defenses because of the threats of King Fortinbras of Norway, who wishes to enact war. What does Hamlet’s first soliloquy reveal about his state of mind? He wants to kill himself.

What happens between Hamlet and Ophelia in the nunnery scene?

The Nunnery Scene He goes on to insult Ophelia and tells her to go to a nunnery. He tells her that this will be the best place for her and, by being a nun, Ophelia won’t have children and produce wicked men like his uncle.

What happens in the nunnery scene?

In the “nunnery scene” which is played in Hamlet, Ophelia (as per her father’s and King Claudius’ instruction) attempts to push Hamlet away. As Hamlet realizes that Ophelia is trying to cut ties with him, his mood changes from sweet and loving to angry and sour.

Does Hamlet call Polonius a rat?

Polonius hides behind the wall, intending to secretly heat the conversation and report it to King. The Queen gets terrified that her son is going to kill her, and cries out for help. Foolishly, Polonius also cries for help and Hamlet thinks King is chasing him and kills Polonius. This is why Hamlet calls him rat.