Hamlet

Act 2, Sc. 2, lines 40-55: Describe the relationship between Polonius and Claudius and its effect upon the characters' actions.

Polonius. The ambassadors from Norway, my good lord,

Are joyfully returned.

King. Thou still hast been the father of good news.

Polonius. Have I, my lord? I assure my good liege

I hold my duty as I hold my soul,

Both to my God and to my gracious King;

And I do think - or else this brain of mine

Hunts not the trail of policy so sure

As it hath used to do - that I have found

The very cause of Hamlet's lunacy.

King. O, speak of that: that I do long to hear.

Polonius. Give first admittance to th'ambassadors.

My news shall be the fruit to that great feast.

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Polonius has the ear of Claudius. They seem close and Claudius trusts him. I think Polonius tries to convey a sense of wisdom to the king even though he is usually a doddering old fool. The king, for the most part, follows Polonius's ideas and advice. This leads to chaos and Polonius's final undoing.