Why does Polonius want Ophelia to stay away from Hamlet?

Answer 1

Polonius is sure, at first, that Hamlet would never marry Ophelia, because of the difference in social status, so he thinks that Hamlet must be only trifling with Ophelia, just for sex. Polonius fears Hamlet doesn't really love Ophelia, and he would get Ophelia pregnant, and then abandon her. We see that in Act 1 scene 3. (Later, in Act 2 scene 1, Polonius changes his mind, however.)

Answer 2

Polonius advises Ophelia to avoid Hamlet because he believes that it was not true love for which Hamlet loved her for. Thus, Polonius believes that once Hamlet becomes King, he would end up marrying someone else.

Answer 3

Hamlet, being the son of the Queen and the heir apparent to the throne, was not in a position to marry whoever he wanted. Any marriage of such a person was a political act, and needed the approval of the court. Polonius thinks that Hamlet is just trying to get into Ophelia's pants and doesn't want her to compromise her reputation by going too far with him.

It is sad to know that the Queen would have gladly approved such a marriage, and indeed would have encouraged it, but we only hear this at Ophelia's funeral. "I hoped thou shouldst have been my Hamlet's wife."

Answer 4

Yes he does.