Sexism In Hamlet

Throughout all generations, women in society are constantly being misrepresented and depicted as fragile creatures who are undeserving of both attention and admiration. The degeneration of women can be seen in the Elizabethan Age, where all roles in various plays were played by men due to the distorted representation of women who were deemed to be unworthy to act on stage. Not only was sexism present in real life, but also in a number of Shakespearean tragedies where female characters endured the distress of gender inequality. In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, sexual discrimination is a recurring theme that focuses the negative portrayal of woman, emphasized by the only two existing female characters, Gertrude and Ophelia. These two women have no choice
Hamlet perceives the female figures around him as incapable beings that are solely dependent men, selfish individuals who execute deceitful actions for their own sake, and cowards lacking courage. Not only is gender stereotyping present in Hamlet, but also in modern society where many women, including myself have gone through experiences that make us feel underrated.
Early on in the play, we are able to acknowledge Hamlet’s sexist behaviour through his sudden encounter with grief in regards of his mother’s sexuality and actions. Hamlet develops the thought where women are easily deceived by men in desperate measures or simply a phase of lust, where they lead themselves into an obligation to act obedient to them in order to sustain through life. We can initially recognize this manner of Hamlet’s in Act 1 Scene 2 when he reacts to the recent marriage of his mother and uncle with anger, stating “A little more than kin, and less than kind.” (1.2. 65). Not only does Hamlet discern Gertrude’s involvement in an incestuous relationship but also her unsympathetic regards towards King Hamlet’s death. Her swift decision to wed Claudius also illustrates both her craving of
Hamlet showcases his negative conception of women by pointing out their resemblances to weaklings who are fearful, and therefore having a distaste for feminine qualities. Hamlet’s indifference towards femininity is shown in Act 2 Scene 2, where he reflects upon himself. He gradually comes to the realization that he is a coward who doesn’t have enough strength to avenge his father’s murder, and rather lets his motives only stay as thoughts formulating in his mind. Full of shame, Hamlet