Ophelia was another character in the story that lost her mind because of her father’s death. She was mad acting like foolish and this madness has caused her several psychological damages. Ophelia much like Hamlet has experienced the exact same thing when her father has murdered. The dilemma drove her into madness because she had no control over her emotional pain. She might become depressed because of the conflict between her father and Hamlet. She could not handle traumatic experience when she lost her father; she became insane to ultimately drown herself in the river.…
At Ophelia’s funeral, Gertrude, speaking to the departed Ophelia, tells her “I hoped thou shouldst have been my Hamlet’s wife” (Act V, Scene I) being completely dismissive of Ophelia’s suicide. Gertrude’s lack of tact is further illustrated in the way she is, instead of mourning Ophelia’s death, dreaming of what kind of bride she could have been for Hamlet. This also illustrates Gertrude’s selfish nature, for instead of mourning for Ophelia she is considering the “trophy wife” she would have made for Hamlet, therefore improving the royal…
I was shocked by the madness of Ophelia, and the manner in which Gertrude approaches the situation, both were unexpected. Earlier in the novel, the relationship of Ophelia and her father is revealed, and it pears to be a very weak relationship, based on the oppression of her under her father’s rule. From this relationship that the two share I would never assume that Ophelia would be driven mad by the death of her father. I sympathize with Ophelia since she has endured so many pains, first discovering Hamlet’s madness, then discovering the death of her father. She is entirely alone in her sorrow, and the King and Queen do nothing buy agitate her and pick at her wounds. Also in this scene Gertrude refuses to see Ophelia, and only agrees when…
revailing wisdom is that one of two things is at work here: Either an inconsistency in Shakespeare's writing, which is not uncommon — his other works are fraught with them, though Hamlet far less than most. Or Shakespeare decided to up the ante on Hamlet's guilt. Gertrude could have not known the whole truth when she reported to Laertes and Claudius. She might have been trying to spare Laertes or to diffuse another tantrum on his part. The placement of the priest's admonition supports the suicide pretty solidly. So why did Ophelia do it?…
1. When Piper states “Something dramatic happens to girls in early adolescence”, what does she mean? Give examples.…
Ophelia was a modern day good girl gone bad. She obeyed her father, Polonius, and brother, Laertes’ wishes to stay away from Prince Hamlet while trying to fight for her love for Hamlet and being herself. Throughout the entire play Ophelia is used as pawn in a game of revenge between Hamlet, Polonius, and King Claudius. Polonius and Laertes forbid Ophelia from seeing Hamlet because they believe that he is only using her for sex, yet Polonius uses her to seek information from Hamlet as though she were his personal spy. Although Hamlet loves Ophelia and genuinely cares for her, he sees the danger he and the royal court pose on her. Hamlet wants to get her away from the corruption while putting on an act for King Claudius to prove that he is really mad, and in that attempt, acts as though Ophelia means nothing to him. He treats her in the same manner he treats his mother and all women for that matter. Hamlet sees all women as ignorant and deceitful. Despite Ophelia’s ability to see through Hamlet’s charade, there is still a sense of pain in the words he speaks to her. “Get thee to a nunnery, go. Farewell...To a nunnery, go, and quickly too. Farewell.” (Act 3.1) This had to have been the largest insult to Ophelia ever spoken, but was not meant in that…
In nearly every tale, the story line contains multiple characters whom depict both good and “evil” qualities. In other words, they reveal opposite interpretations. These drastic differences can be drawn due to the lack of specifics in the reading. One interpretation may portray a character as pure and innocent. In another, they may appear at fault. Shakespeare’s famous play, Hamlet, illustrates this notion through an accumulation of characters. Of the many, Ophelia may strike one as the innocent virgin, or rather the selfish and corrupt whore. An overall analysis may be useful in determining which portrayal is more accurate.…
Ophelia was sinking in oblivion; it was impossible for self- awareness to take place. Her deteriorating mental state stopped her catharsis. In the end was there really anyway for Ophelia to know that her suicide would serve as a fatal catalyst? No, by then Ophelia’s judgment and forethought were irretrievable. She was no longer in control of her actions the same way she was no longer sound of mind. Her death created unforeseen ripple effects that ultimately kill Hamlet and Laerates. Without her ability to reason and judge the soundness of her actions, Ophelia cannot be held responsible for the events that took place after her perceived…
However, as Gertrude may have heard, Laertes sword was to be poison tipped and would kill Hamlet if it touched him. In case that plan didn’t work, Hamlet would be given a poisoned glass of wine. After the first round of the sword fight, Gertrude picked up the poisoned glass of wine and proposed a toast to the fight. Claudius told her not to drink it, but she replied "I will, my lord; I pray you pardon me." This was the first time that Gertrude didn’t obey Claudius’ orders. The only logical explanation for this is that she didn’t want to observe the death of her…
* used to stimulate imaginative and creative thought or investigate cause and affect relationships or provoke deeper thought or extensive investigations.…
During her funeral procession Laertes and Hamlet react similarly when they both jump into her grave and declare their love for Ophelia (enotes). Afterward, Hamlet asks for forgiveness for killing Polonius and Laertes pretends to accept it. But Laertes still determined to avenge his father’s death agrees with Claudius to have a sword duel with Hamlet in which Laertes blade has been covered with a poison that will kill Hamlet with just a slight nick to the skin. Both men are nicked with the poisoned blade. As Laertes lies dying he has a moral enlightenment “Exchange forgiveness with me, noble Hamlet. Mine and my father's death come not upon thee, nor thine on me!” (5.2.337-339) and tells Hamlet of the deceit and plot that the king had created. At the same time the queen who has no idea of what Claudius had plotted drank from a poisoned challis that contained poison also meant for Hamlet. She falls down but warns Hamlet of the poison and then dies. Without hesitation Hamlet stabs the king and forces him to drink the poison. The revenge at this point seems bittersweet.…
Having been lectured on the dangers of Hamlet by Polonius, Ophelia responds, “I shall obey my Lord” (1.4.145). Considering she is his daughter, her response seems peculiar, and almost servant like. Polonius and Laertes, Ophelia’s father and brother, order her to refrain from relations with Hamlet, because they believe that due to his nobility, he is incapable of loving her properly. Ophelia, Hamlet’s love, is interpreted as more of a puppet than a strong female lead, even though the love, of which Hamlet and Ophelia had prior to the bombardment of interferences, was undeniable.…
Her weak mindedness and cowardice eventually leads to her suicide; however, the cause of her of emotional weakness is due to forces beyond her control. Ophelia’s subjection to the loss of two loved ones at the same time allocates an overwhelming feeling of devastation that she is incapable of coping with due to her lack of mental strength. Claudius recognizes the intensity and overpowering nature of her suffering as he states that “when sorrows come, they come not single spies, but in batallions,” (IV, iv, 77). Ophelia’s immense losses include the Polonius’ murder, in addition to the Hamlet rejecting her feelings. The death of Polonius not only means the death of her dad additionally the one whom she derives all of her guidance from. The lack of support for Ophelia during this vulnerable period of her life further weakens her emotional stability; furthermore, Hamlet’s unusual conduct leaves Ophelia feeling more isolated and disliked. Hamlet illuminates his unorthodox demeanor to her by denying her mementos and by blatantly denies having ever loved her as states, “I loved you not” (III, i, 118). Denying the remembrances, he alludes to the…
Hamlet by William Shakespeare is a revenge tragedy play that primarily focuses on Hamlet’s quest to avenge his father’s death. The tragedy of Hamlet, while mostly revolving around Hamlet himself, also concerns the character of Ophelia, and Hamlet’s relationship with her throughout the play. Despite of her absence from all but five scenes, Ophelia manages to receive a considerable amount of attention, as her character becomes truly tragic with her realization that she is powerless politically, socially, and psychologically amongst the men in her life, and without them. As a woman with limited options in a patriarchal society, this realization drives her mad, ultimately resulting in her death.…
Throughout his report, Friedman uses a slightly upbeat tone to start his prompt. In doing this he is leading his audience to be in favor of his argument, by seeming more relatable and personable. By stating “I got an ovation the other day from a roomful of Indian 20 year olds just for reading perfectly the following paragraph…” sets the stage for his comical tone, by showing the irony of how a simple reading of a paragraph could get a complete standing ovation. As well as the quote “What am I saying here? That it’s more important for young Indians to have jobs than Americans? Never.” portraying the author’s sarcasm which could be viewed as humorous. By conveying his tone in a witty way, the author is able to build a sort of friendship with the audience, making his argument seem more attractive in the audience’s eyes.…