Hamlet

How does Polonius's advice for Ophelia reflect the different expectations that society has traditionally imposed on young men and women?

Hamlet

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Polonius warns his daughter to be chaste and protect her reputation..... not to dally with a man who doesn't love her. Note, he doesn't seem at all affected by Hamlet's actions, unless of course, they have a effect on Ophelia. Traditionally, a woman, and even a man, were expected to remain chaste (virgins) until their marriage. Men, however, were forgiven for their trangressions, well, because they were men. Women's indiscretions would leave them without marital prospects. They were ruined.

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Hamlet