A Study of Shakespeare's presentation of Ophelia and the effect on her, of her relationship with Laertes, Polonius and Hamlet.

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Coursework                                                                                                Holly Woodhouse

A Study of Shakespeare’s presentation of Ophelia and the effect on her, of her relationship with Laertes, Polonius and Hamlet.

The character of Ophelia is extremely complex, and there are many issues to we have to face when studying her.  The problem with analysing Ophelia is that she is seen in many different roles as daughter, sister, lover and courtier.  Each one in itself adds another dimension to her character, yet there is an inextricable link between her various manifestations and the men in her life: Laertes, Polonius and Hamlet.  These men have a diverse effect on the development and overall perception of Ophelia.  Her aim to please the men who dictate her actions, directly and indirectly, leaves the audience feeling somewhat distanced from her character.  Shakespeare’s presentation of Ophelia makes one wonder whether she is indeed the sad, pathetic, naïve girl she makes out, or whether she is in fact masking her true, highly intelligent and sexually experienced self.

        Shakespeare himself had the potential to create a strong female characters, who were unafraid to behave in an unconventional manner, such as in Romeo and Juliet and MacBeth; however, the façade Ophelia presents throughout most of the play, is that of one conforming to the stereotypical expectations of an Elizabethan woman; that of purity, innocence, submission and dependence on men, emotionally and financially.  Her duty to fulfil these attributes is perhaps under even more scrutiny, due to the fact she is a member of the Royal Court.  This only adds to the pressure Ophelia is already under, thus increasing the potential for a breakdown.  Laertes, Polonius and Hamlet all expect similar qualities from Ophelia, yet there are slight variations, and it is here where we begin to see Ophelia struggle at satisfying brother, father and lover.  Polonius and Laertes’ main concern seems to be that Ophelia should maintain the family honour, and remain a virgin until marriage.  This is of greater concern to Polonius than his daughter’s own happiness and emotions, “Tender yourself more dearly…or…you’ll tender me a fool.” Polonius perceives Ophelia as more of a commodity than a daughter, and therefore her purity and virginity will make it easier for him to find an appropriate suitor for her.  Laertes is equally ardent for Ophelia to remain pure and warns her of Hamlet’s ‘intentions’, “Then weigh what loss you honour may sustain,

If with too credent ear you list his songs

…Or lose your heart, or your chaste treasure open

To his unmastered importunity.”

Polonius desires his daughter to act demurely and retain her naïve innocent behaviour, yet he is also quick to criticize her when she fulfils this image, “Affection?  Pooh, you speak like a green girl

Unsifted in such perilous circumstance.”

Even in the expectations of brother and father, Ophelia is exposed to contradictions, emphasising the ambiguities in interpreting her character.

        One interpretation of Ophelia’s simplified character is that she is a pathetic and sad girl, easily manipulated by the men around her.  She is continuously ignored, disbelieved and commanded to distrust her own feelings and thoughts.  Polonius and Laertes both suppress Ophelia’s natural development, each dictating her moral and psychological formation, constantly dominating her.  Polonius naturally adopts the views of the time, and sees Ophelia as a commodity to be disposed of, preferably to profit him as well, as seen in Act 1 scene 111, where there is a strong reference to coinage; “tenders…pay…” and “sterling”.  Polonius educates her to be an obedient automaton, willing to obey each of his commands, warning her that if she acts for herself she will, “tender (him) a fool”.  Polonius forbids Ophelia’s autonomy for desire, action and even thought.  Act 1, scene 3, suggests Ophelia is not allowed to speak a great deal, she is deprived of her own voice and thought, “I do not know my Lord what I should think.”  Polonius informs his daughter, “Think yourself a baby”.

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Polonius’ lessons appear detrimental to Ophelia herself, but beneficial to himself.  However, Polonius also contradicts his dictatorial lessons, and after denying Ophelia free access to Hamlet for, “many a day”, he eagerly delivers his daughter to him later.  What seems confusing is the fact that Polonius is extremely protective over his daughter, yet sends her to Hamlet in his, “turbulent and dangerous lunacy.”  Again Polonius’ motives are beneficial to himself, as he metaphorically pimps Ophelia to prove his loyalty to Claudius, and gain respect in the court.  This is made particularly clear in Act 3, scene 1, where Ophelia has ...

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