Ophelia Is Possibly One Of The Most Fascinating Characters In Shakespeare's Plays And Has Been The Cause Of Much Debate Amongst Students Of Hamlet, Despite Appearing In Only A Few Scenes. Explore Some Of The Interpretations Of Her Functions.

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Hamlet Coursework

"Ophelia Is Possibly One Of The Most Fascinating Characters In Shakespeare's Plays And Has Been The Cause Of Much Debate Amongst Students Of Hamlet, Despite Appearing In Only A Few Scenes.

Explore Some Of The Interpretations Of Her Function Within The Play."

In Shakespeare's Hamlet, the character of Ophelia has many different functions and, as such, can be perceived in many ways. She is not a prominent character like that of Hamlet or King Claudius, but she does serve an important part of the tragedy.

The obvious, and most controversial perception of Ophelia is to whether she is a sweet natured, young, naïve character or rather the opposite:

"Ophelia is in fact a flirt: a fast girl such as at Elizabeth's court was the rule..."

From an extensive study of the play and particularly of Ophelia, I have concluded that although Shakespeare's work should be interpreted on a personal level, I believe that Ophelia was the former, rather than the latter.

Firstly, it must be remembered that Shakespeare designed Ophelia to be young; in her late teens.

"Ophelia is plainly quite young and inexperienced."