In this exchange between Polonius and Hamlet, the nature of reading is explored. Hamlet's remark "Words, words, words" humorously indicates the endless cycle of reading without true comprehension or impact. Polonius’s inquiry about the subject of Hamlet's reading reveals a deeper conversation about the value of knowledge and the act of reading itself. Hamlet hints at the futility of this endeavor, suggesting that he simply moves through the lines without retaining what he has learned.

The process of reading is depicted as a laborious task, where Hamlet feels burdened by the words he encounters yet finds that they remain unchanged after he engages with them. The metaphor of carrying loads suggests that while reading brings information into his mind, the letters and their meanings remain static, illustrating a disconnect between comprehension and the physical act of reading. Overall, this dialogue reflects on the challenges of engaging with literature meaningfully.