Examine Shakespeare's presentation of Ophelia and how a modern audience might respond to her

Authors Avatar

Examine Shakespeare’s presentation of Ophelia and how a modern audience might respond to her.

        “Ophelia’s main function in the play is to illuminate a particular facet of Hamlet’s decline.” This was noted by Angela Pitt. We can see that throughout Hamlet, this is very true. Ophelia is presented as a character of secondary importance, not only to the plot, but also to other characters. This can be seen by her relationship with her father, Polonius, and her brother, Laertes, and also with Hamlet. Nowadays, a modern reader may find the world she lives in oppressive to women, and this is alien to a post-feminist society. However, to a Shakespearean audience this would be normal. Women were almost second-class citizens, and had no real rights of their own. Even though Queen Elizabeth I was in charge of England, this did not fit in with the conventions of the time. It is said that a woman who saw Elizabeth I pass her a royal procession said, “Oh Lord! The Queen is a woman!” Despite the different titles of “King” and “Queen” being masculine and feminine, it was simply unthinkable for a figure of authority to be anything but male. Ophelia is written in a way that was common with the time it was set, which was in 1603.

        In Act 1 Scene 3, Ophelia is getting advice from her brother, Laertes. Rex Gibson commented, “Women’s status and roles were subject to the tyranny of patriarchy.” We can see this when Laertes gives her advice about Hamlet, and warns her not to,” chaste (your) treasure open/ To his unmastered opportunity.” He is doing this because he fears that it will ruin the reputation of the family, because he says, “Then weigh what loss your honour may sustain.” He is more concerned about the reputation of his family than he is about Ophelia’s feelings. The fact that Laertes is telling Ophelia what to do shows possibly that he cares for her, but more likely that he can control her, because as a woman, she is incapable of making her own decisions. During this scene we can see that Ophelia is obedient towards Laertes because she says,” I shall the effect of this good lesson keep.” However, she shows a spirited side of her personality by saying to him,” And recks not his own rede.” This challenges conventions of the time. In this scene, a modern reader may find Ophelia spirited, as she is able to challenge what her brother has said to her.

        However, in the same scene when she talks to her father Polonius, she is very submissive. Polonius suggests that she is foolish to believe Hamlet because, “You do not understand yourself so clearly.” This suggests that he understands her more than she understands herself. Also he demands her to tell him everything, because he says, “Give me the truth.” This indicates that she cannot have a private life. Polonius is very patronizing to Ophelia also, because he says, “You speak like a green girl,” He suggests to her that Ophelia does not know what she is talking about. However, Ophelia accentuates this patriarchal role because she refers to him as “My lord.” This indicates a relationship where parameters are strictly defined. Ophelia is accepting his greater power and authority over her. Also, she says, “I do not know my lord what I should think.” This suggests she needs to be told by him what her viewpoint is. This shows Polonius has lots of control over her. She also gives into his demands, because she says,” I shall obey.” This implies that Ophelia knows her place in this society run by men. A modern reader may think that Ophelia is too submissive, whereas a Shakespearean audience would think her behaviour is normal.

Join now!

        In Act 2 Scene 1, Polonius inquires if Hamlet has made any more advances on Ophelia. He tries to manipulate Ophelia into telling the truth by saying,” Have you given him any harsh words of late?” This erodes away Ophelia’s individuality. Ophelia has been brought up with other men making decisions for her. She is consistently seen as lacking in strength of mind and character. On both occasions that she is questioned about Hamlet she is unable to account for her feelings, because she says, “My lord I do not know.” Polonius has encouraged this lack of judgement, as he ...

This is a preview of the whole essay