Plus One English - A Compass for the Young - Summary

 

A Compass for the Young

(From Hamlet, Act I, Scene iii)

Detailed Summary

This passage is taken from Shakespeare’s play Hamlet (Act I, Scene iii) and is titled “A Compass for the Young” because it works like a guide that points a young person in the right direction in life. The speaker is Polonius, the Lord Chamberlain of Denmark, and he is speaking to his son Laertes, who is about to leave for France. Laertes has already said his goodbyes, but Polonius finds him still lingering at the harbour. He gently scolds him for the delay, pointing out that the wind is favourable and the ship is waiting. Before Laertes departs, Polonius gives him his blessing and a handful of practical lessons to remember, which are meant to help him live wisely, build a good reputation and remain honourable in a foreign land.

Polonius begins by teaching Laertes self-control. He advises his son not to speak out every thought that crosses his mind and not to turn every hasty idea into action. A wise person thinks carefully before speaking or acting. He then talks about how Laertes should treat others. He should be friendly and approachable, but never vulgar or cheap in his manners, so that he keeps his dignity. On the subject of friendship, Polonius says that friends who have been tested over time should be held close, as if bound to the soul with hoops of steel. At the same time, Laertes should not waste his friendship on every new and unproven acquaintance, because trust must be earned.

Polonius also warns his son about conflict. Laertes should avoid getting into quarrels, but if he is drawn into one, he should behave so firmly that his opponent will think twice before challenging him again. In the same spirit, he tells Laertes to listen to everyone but to speak his own opinion to only a few. He should accept other people’s criticism politely, but he must keep his own judgment and not simply follow what others think. This shows the value of being a good listener while remaining independent in thought.

The next piece of advice concerns appearance. Polonius says Laertes should dress as well as he can afford, but his clothes should be rich in quality rather than loud or showy, because a person’s clothing often reveals his character and status. He adds that the people of high rank in France are especially careful and refined about their dress. He then turns to money and advises Laertes neither to borrow nor to lend. Lending often results in losing both the money and the friend, and borrowing weakens a person’s habit of thrift and careful management.

The most important lesson comes last, introduced with the words “This above all.” Polonius tells his son to be true to himself. If Laertes stays honest with his own conscience and values, then, just as day inevitably follows night, he will never be false to anyone else. Honesty with oneself is therefore the foundation of honesty toward others. Polonius ends with a farewell and the hope that his blessing will help these lessons take root and grow in his son.

Taken as a whole, the speech is a practical guide to wise and honourable living. It stresses restraint in speech, careful choice of friends, dignity in behaviour, sensible handling of money and, above all, integrity. Although Polonius is often shown in the play as a rather long-winded and foolish old man, this particular speech is widely admired and still quoted today as timeless advice for the young.

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