Comparing Homosexuality In Hamlet's Relationship With Ophelia
“To be [gay], or not to be [gay] – that is the question” (3.1.56). Throughout Hamlet,
Hamlet’s constant questioning of heteronormativity overall stems from his unhealthy and misandristic relationships with women. Hamlet’s foundational opinion of female relationships is with his narcissistic mother, Gertrude. Building off of Gertrude’s selfish parenting style is Hamlet’s relationship with Ophelia. Although Ophelia’s relationship with Hamlet is romantic as opposed to maternal, Ophelia’s disloyalty towards Hamlet is yet another driving point of Hamlet seeking homosexual attraction from his best friend, Horatio. Hamlet’s same sex attraction to Horatio stems from his shattered view of heterosexual relationships caused by deceitful interactions with women.
The first triggering point of Hamlet’s homosexual desires is the death of his father and the effects of his mother’s actions. Although this sudden poignant event made a profoundly depressing impact on Hamlet, making the situation even more emotionally detrimental is Gertrude’s marriage to Hamlet’s uncle, Claudius, just days after his father’s funeral. Gertrude takes no interest in Hamlet’s desires or opinion of Claudius ultimately driving Hamlet further away from …show more content…
In order for Hamlet and Horatio to find romantic affection for each other, Hamlet’s first destroys his heterosexual relationships. Foundationally beginning with Gertrude’s narcissistic parenting, Hamlet is first introduced to the idea of untrustworthy female interactions on a maternal level. Ophelia’s betrayal of affection is the breaking point for Hamlet’s attempt at heterosexual relationships. Hamlet demolishes his opinion of all women and he is emotionally forced to remove all women from his life. Without looking towards women for companionship, Hamlet is only left with Horatio. Horatio’s trustworthiness and tenderness for Hamlet is what allows him to prevail as Hamlet’s nostalgic and homosexually romantic
Hamlet’s constant questioning of heteronormativity overall stems from his unhealthy and misandristic relationships with women. Hamlet’s foundational opinion of female relationships is with his narcissistic mother, Gertrude. Building off of Gertrude’s selfish parenting style is Hamlet’s relationship with Ophelia. Although Ophelia’s relationship with Hamlet is romantic as opposed to maternal, Ophelia’s disloyalty towards Hamlet is yet another driving point of Hamlet seeking homosexual attraction from his best friend, Horatio. Hamlet’s same sex attraction to Horatio stems from his shattered view of heterosexual relationships caused by deceitful interactions with women.
The first triggering point of Hamlet’s homosexual desires is the death of his father and the effects of his mother’s actions. Although this sudden poignant event made a profoundly depressing impact on Hamlet, making the situation even more emotionally detrimental is Gertrude’s marriage to Hamlet’s uncle, Claudius, just days after his father’s funeral. Gertrude takes no interest in Hamlet’s desires or opinion of Claudius ultimately driving Hamlet further away from …show more content…
In order for Hamlet and Horatio to find romantic affection for each other, Hamlet’s first destroys his heterosexual relationships. Foundationally beginning with Gertrude’s narcissistic parenting, Hamlet is first introduced to the idea of untrustworthy female interactions on a maternal level. Ophelia’s betrayal of affection is the breaking point for Hamlet’s attempt at heterosexual relationships. Hamlet demolishes his opinion of all women and he is emotionally forced to remove all women from his life. Without looking towards women for companionship, Hamlet is only left with Horatio. Horatio’s trustworthiness and tenderness for Hamlet is what allows him to prevail as Hamlet’s nostalgic and homosexually romantic