The Deceit

In Act 1 Scene 3, Polonius gives another long somewhat foolish lecture to his son. However, in this speech he says something rather ironic, "This above all: to thine own self be true". I found this quote especially interesting. When first reading it, it seems true, even good advice. However when put into context with the rest of the play it seems somewhat ridiculous. It is fitting that this line came from Polonius, he thinks he is all-knowing; but nonetheless, he seems foolish because of his constant rambling. The quote is talking about staying true to yourself, and your beliefs. In a world were no one is telling the truth, there is no line between good and evil, and there is even difficulty differentiating between reality and imagination, who is to say what you really believe, and if you can be true to yourself when when you are lying to everyone else.