Question #4 page 830

Both Laertes and Polonius warn Ophelia that Hamlet could be unfaithful to Ophelia and even though at one moment he may profess his love, in another instant he could be running away with someone else. Laertes warns Ophelia to be afraid in her relationships and basically tells her not to trust Hamlet. Polonius says that Ophelia could be lowering her status by being with Hamelt and that she should make herself more expensive. Evidently, both Laertes and Polonius do not favor Hamlet. Some of Laertes's argument presents an element of hypocrisy and is therefore, less fair. Polonius' argument is very long and pretentious but being her father, Ophelia is put in a position where she must be obedient. Both men readily expect Ophelia to take their warning and advice to heart and to be compliant. In a way, Laertes and Polonius demean her and make her inferior to their instructions.  Class fits into this situation because of Hamlet's superior class subjugating Ophelia's chances with him because of her lower status.