Poem Analysis - Polonius Advice To His Son

Mark Twain's "Polonius' Advice To His Son" presents a sardonic take on traditional wisdom. The poem, while seemingly offering guidance, carries a tone of detached observation, bordering on cynicism. It initially sounds like genuine paternal advice but gradually reveals a more world-weary perspective. The poem's mood, therefore, shifts subtly from earnest instruction to a more knowing, almost detached commentary on human nature.

The Facade of Prudence: Social Interactions and Self-Presentation

One of the poem's central themes is the navigation of social interactions. Twain's Polonius advises caution and calculated behavior. Lines like "Be thou courteous and kindly toward all — / Be familiar and vulgar with none" suggest a superficial engagement with others. Similarly, the admonition to dress according to one's means ("Let thy habit be ever as costly / As thy purse is able to span") highlights the importance of appearances. This theme suggests a society where presentation trumps genuine connection, where one must carefully manage their image to succeed.

The Burden of Skepticism: Friendships and Trust

Another significant theme explored is the difficulty of trust and the value of established relationships. The poem emphasizes the rarity of true friendship with the lines "But the friends thou hast proved in thy need / Hold thou fast till life’s mission is done!" This implies that genuine loyalty is scarce and hard-won. The warning against confiding in "every new-begot friend" reinforces this theme, suggesting a world where people are often motivated by self-interest. This creates a cynical view on forming connections based on skepticism.

The Core of Authenticity: Individual Truth and Integrity

The poem culminates in the emphatic declaration: "UNTO THYSELF BE THOU TRUE!" This appears as the ultimate guiding principle, overshadowing the previous advice on social maneuvering and caution. This final instruction almost contradicts the calculated nature of the other advice, suggesting that genuine self-integrity should be the foundation upon which all other actions are built. This theme of self-reliance and staying true to oneself is presented as the most important. It implies that adherence to one's internal compass is the most effective way to avoid moral compromise ("Then never toward any canst thou / The deed of a false heart do").

The Weight of Words: Caution and Restraint

The recurring image of guarded speech and restrained expression serves as a potent symbol throughout the poem. Phrases like "Beware of the spoken word!" and "Bury thy thoughts in thy breast" emphasizes the importance of concealing one's true thoughts and feelings. This imagery suggests a world where open communication is dangerous and where silence is a form of self-protection. Is it, perhaps, an observation that silence and wisdom are related to each other? The repeated emphasis on controlling one's speech reinforces the overall tone of caution and calculated behavior.

Conclusion: A Cynical Guide to a Complex World

"Polonius' Advice To His Son" is a complex and somewhat cynical exploration of navigating social relationships and maintaining personal integrity. While seemingly offering straightforward guidance, the poem reveals a world where appearances matter, trust is scarce, and self-reliance is paramount. The final emphasis on being true to oneself, however, offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that genuine integrity can prevail even in a world marked by calculation and distrust. In essence, Twain uses the guise of simple advice to paint a more nuanced portrait of the challenges of living authentically in a complicated world.