In Hamlet, why is Polonius's advice to Laetres significant and how does it contribute to the overall theme?

The chief purpose of this touching family scene in Act I
scene 3 seems to be the way in which is presents Hamlet and Laertes as foils or
important opposites. This is of course something that is developed throughout the play,
as Hamlet's procrastination and delay in revenging his father's murder is compared to
the haste and desire of Laertes to slay Hamlet as swiftly as possible. Let us remember
that immediately before this scene, Act I scene 2 presents us with a dysfunctional
family and Hamlet's estranged state. His uncle, Claudius and his mother, Gertrude, both
try to give Hamlet advice on putting aside his mourning and enjoying the festivities of
their marriage, but this scene clearly presents a somewhat troubled family
dynamic.

It is thus important to note the touching and
normal family scene in Act I scene 3 where Polonius and Laertes appear to have a good
relationship from what we can infer, and where Polonius offers his son bits of very
sensible advice. Juxtaposing the two scenes together thus reinforces the way in which
Hamlet's family is dysfunctional and his own sense of estrangement compared to the
position of Laertes.