Different Types Of Love In Hamlet

What is love? Is it even possible for finite minds like ours to determine what this elusive emotion is? Many people have mixed up beliefs of what love is, therefore it is pretty hard to define this decisive emotion. The universal definition of love is the natural response of the heart to the feelings and existence of all of life. There are also different levels of love. Pragma – love which endures, Philautia – self-respect, Eros – romantic and erotic love, Storge – family love. These four different types of love are exceedingly important in Hamlet. Love is an exceedingly important theme in Hamlet that controls most characters’ emotions which causes them to seek another dominant theme in Hamlet, revenge. In Hamlet, Eros (romantic love) is shared amongst all characters. Hamlet to Ophelia, Laertes to Ophelia, Gertrude and Claudius, Hamlet and Gertrude. Hamlet and Ophelia have something that we call a very “special love”. A question that is most common is; does Hamlet share the same love that Ophelia feels for him? Considering the extensive amount of poems and letters Hamlet has written for Ophelia it seems that this Eros love is shared between the two. “Get thee to a nunnery. Why wouldst thou be a breeder of sinners?” Hamlets unnecessary outburst at Ophelia happen exceedingly
This brother sister relationship is first seen in Act I, Scene III when Ophelia is talking to Laertes right before he heads to France. Laertes and Ophelia have a in depth discussion on Ophelia’s relationship with prince Hamlet, and how the relationship should not be taken too seriously due to the fact that Hamlet is a prince and his actions are based on the voice of the people. During this scene you can see that Laertes is showing his love for Ophelia by playing the part of a protective brother, and Ophelia is returning that love by respectfully listening to what Laertes has to