The Cynical Humor of HamletA horrible event, such as a death in the family, can cause a cynical outlook on life. “Hamlets’ pride manifests itself through his cynical humor toward others” (Adelman 164). Hamlet uses humor to escape his cynical reality towards Polonius, Ophelia's father, Ophelia his true love and Gertrude, his mother the queen. These three people aid Hamlet in his eventual downfall. Hamlet's conversation with Polonius is a good example of the prince's cynical humor. For example, Hamlet asks Polonius if he is an honest man. Polonius is taken aback: “Honest my lord? Yes sir. To be honest, like this world, it is to be a man chosen among ten thousand. (II; ii; 177-178) Hamlet's humor suggests that there are no honest men in this world, and his cynicism shows that if there are, there are none only one in ten thousand. The irony is that Polonius agrees and tells us how he views honest people. Another example of his cynicism is when Hamlet says to Polonius, “Let her not walk with the sun.” Conception is a blessing, but like your daughter...