Rebecca Brehl
Love Me Tender
Tender is the kind of word that doesn’t get much use today. The most popular use is on the dollar bill, which states, “This note is legal tender for all debts, public and private.” Another common usage is in describing food, normally in a sense like, “crisp outside, yet with a tender center.” And the final popular usage is in describing a loving way of treating someone, often heard on oldies radio stations.
The word is first used by Ophelia, describing her relations with Hamlet, where she says, “He hath, my lord, of late made many tenders/ Of his affection to me.” (I.3. 98-99) Here, a modern reader may be confused, as the two kinds of tender seem to be mixed. But rather, this corresponds with the Oxford English Dictionary’s definition of tender as “an offer of anything for acceptance.” (OED, 3rd ed., s.v. “tender” n.2, 2)
In response, Ophelia’s father does not approve, and instead begins punning on the very word that she has used, saying, “Think yourself a baby/That you have ta’en these tenders for true pay/Which are not sterling. Tender yourself more dearly,/Or (not to crack the wind of the poor phrase,/Running it thus) you’ll tender me a fool.” (I.3.104-108) Here, Polonius takes the “tenders” (offers) that she has received from Hamlet and compares them to “money or other things that may be legally tendered,” saying that Hamlet’s promises do not have the value of money. (OED, 3rd ed., s.v. “tender” n.2, 4)
Polonius continues with the word tender, but this time with a totally differend meaning. Here, it means “to treat with affectionate care… to take care of, look after. ” (OED, 3rd ed., s.v. “tender” v.2, 3d) Thus, he wants her to take better care of herself, and not let the false promises of the prince mislead her. These uses of the word are interesting, and lead one to believe that Polonius does care for his daughter, as the word “tender” has the connotation of love or attachment connected to it.
Later in the play, Hamlet uses the same word in a very different context. He refers to Fortinbras as “a delicate and tender prince.” (IV.4.48) When combined with delicate, the word has none of the earlier meanings, but instead follows the definition “of weak or delicate constitution; not strong, hardy, or robust; unable or unaccustomed to endure hardship, fatigue, or the like; delicately reared, effeminate.” (OED, 3rd ed., s.v. “tender” a., 3a) This seems strange, as one rarely refers to a leader of an army as “delicate.” But Hamlet is hinting to something else within his speech. Tender can also mean “nearly related, akin. ” (OED, 3rd ed., s.v. “tender” a, 8c) Thus, Hamlet is highlighting the connections between another young prince and himself. This makes sense in the context of the play, as Hamlet admires Fortinbras for his courage in leading the army, and in acting out his revenge.
Shakespeare uses tender like an instrument, finding different notes within the world, ones that will sound sweet in harmony with the words around it. While the letters of the word look the same, and it sounds the same, there are many different meanings attached. When Polonius uses the word to assail his daughter, he uses it simply, in ways that the audience would understand. While the meaning of the word changes from line to line, each use has one simple meaning. Yet when Hamlet uses the word, he shows a duality within the word, like the duality within himself. Polonius speaks because he loves to hear his own voice, and Hamlet speaks to reveal his thoughts. This difference between the characters is revealed in the differing ways that they use the word tender.