Hamlet - Character study of Ophelia.

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In the play written by William Shakespeare, “Hamlet”, Ophelia is seen to be a very interesting and intriguing character. Shakespeare has written Ophelia in a way that leaves the audience puzzled as to her true character. Many critics have placed Ophelia’s character at completely contrasting ends of a continuum some people believe that Ophelia is not the innocent young girl others believe she is. Some people believe Ophelia to be a wanton, sexually knowledgeable young woman, while others believe that she is harmless and pious. This is due to the manner that Shakespeare has written Ophelia’s character, it means that Ophelia’s language and actions can be interpreted in many different factions. This can be shown by the way in which Ophelia reacts in different circumstances, while some believe that it shows that she is sexually knowledgeable others believe it shows a lack of knowledge and even slight embarrassment.

I believe that Ophelia was written by Shakespeare to be an innocent young woman that is corrupted by the events occurring around her. I believe that Hamlet treats Ophelia brutally and that her innocence and shy character during these events lead to her depression and her end. Ophelia occurs in the play as the daughter to the king's councillor and the true love interest of Hamlet. Ophelia is written by Shakespeare to be an innocent bystander to the events occurring around her and one of the many links between the complex characters and stories within the play.

Ophelia’s innocent character can first be shown in act one scene three when people try to give her advice. Laertes and Polonius are used by Shakespeare to show Ophelia’s great innocence. The brother and father of Ophelia show worry about her character because they think Hamlet is just using her. In the same scene Ophelia’s character is again displayed by Shakespeare. Shakespeare shows Ophelia’s shy and acquiescent  character in a variety of different ways. When Ophelia is placed in a scene with a person of a higher status and authority Shakespeare shows her obedience by letting her say little in comparison to the people, mainly men, around her. Shakespeare uses this device to indicate Ophelia’s lower status and how she is obedient to people of a higher rank. In the same scene Shakespeare again uses interaction with other characters to portray Ophelia’s character. In the play Shakespeare shows the audience that Hamlet is deeply disturbed by the events that have occurred but Ophelia believes that Hamlet has shown her affection recently and has given his word that he loves her.

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“And hath given countenance to his speech, my lord, With almost all the holy vows of heaven.”

Shakespeare uses this positive language to show Ophelia’s naivety, Ophelia seems certain that Hamlet truly loves her and has shown her affection. Shakespeare uses positive language to show Ophelia’s confidence, like “has” and “all the holy vows of heaven”. Shakespeare very cleverly uses this positive language to show naivety as Shakespeare has already shown Hamlets state of mind, that he is deeply disturbed and at that moment of time would not be able to show anybody true affection or love as ...

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