When Polonius says, “brevity is the soul of wit,” why is it ironic?

When Polonius Says, “Brevity Is the Soul of Wit,” Why Is It Ironic?

Characters in the play Hamlet such as Polonius have speeches that are too long to be considered brief. He repeats himself and is nearly incessantly talkative and detailed. His statement that “brevity is the soul of wit” is therefore in conflict with what he does.

It’s easy to define the saying “Brevity is the soul of wit.” There is an obvious definition for the adage “brevity is the soul of wit.” The speech needs to be concise, clear, valuable and compelling. The meaning of the term is that one should use as few words as possible to convey one’s intelligence. The saying “brevity is the soul of wit” suggests that using the least amount of words possible to communicate one’s thoughts, ideas, or beliefs will make it more meaningful and understandable. Put simply, people can demonstrate their intelligence by giving succinct answers rather than lengthy ones. Furthermore, a lengthy discussion won’t bore those around them.

Polonius is presented as a person who enjoys making long, convoluted lectures that are often filled with cliches and insignificant details. His claim that brevity is the basis of wit stands in stark contrast to his propensity for lengthy speeches and unwanted counsel. Shakespeare uses this irony throughout the play to draw attention to Polonius’s duplicity and to add humorous relief.

Moreover, there is intrinsic nonsense in the sentence itself. Although being concise is considered a sign of intelligence and wit, Polonius’s verbosity betrays the irony that he lacks the precise attribute he praises. Because of this, Polonius’s claim is ironic, highlighting both the contradiction between words and deeds and the complexity of human nature.