In William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, Hamlet refers to Polonius as a ‘fishmonger’ as part of his broader scheme to confront the characters around him with wit and sarcasm. This insult carries several layers of meaning.
First, calling someone a ‘fishmonger’ suggests a certain moral corruption. In Elizabethan times, fishmongers, who sold fish, were often associated with sexuality and vice, as fish could be a metaphor for promiscuity. By labeling Polonius in such a way, Hamlet not only undermines Polonius’s authority but also hints at the lecherous nature of his activities, particularly regarding his daughter Ophelia.
Secondly, it reflects Hamlet’s disdain for Polonius’s meddling and scheming behavior. Polonius is portrayed as an excessive and often foolish character throughout the play, and Hamlet’s jab serves to encapsulate the idea that he is more interested in manipulating those around him rather than engaging in earnest dialogue. It diminishes Polonius’s position and highlights Hamlet’s cleverness and intelligence.
Ultimately, Hamlet’s use of ‘fishmonger’ illustrates his state of mind—a blend of bitterness, anger, and a desire to reveal the pretenses of the court in Denmark. It’s just one of the many ways Hamlet uses language to enact his themes of betrayal and deceit.