‘Virginal and innocent ‘or’ wanton and sexually knowledgeable.’ How have critics arrived at these readings of Ophelia? What is your reading of her character?
'Virginal and innocent 'or' wanton and sexually knowledgeable.' How have critics arrived at these readings of Ophelia? What is your reading of her character? A critic's view of Ophelia differs when taking into account the contrasting cultural positions between contemporary and modern society. It is because of this statement that it is important to realise that a critic's view of Ophelia is only one way to how we view Ophelia. There are many interpretations of Ophelia, which change according to how a director can portray Ophelia. Critics can fall into too categories when reading Ophelia, those who believe that Ophelia is a virginal, innocent girl, and those who portray Ophelia as a wanton, sexually knowledgeable young woman. These are two extremes, and some people believe in the moderate sense that whilst Ophelia is sexually knowledgeable she is also the innocent victim in the play. Hamlet's affection for his mother dates back to his childhood and is shown throughout the play. Perhaps Ophelia is trying to aspire to this level with Hamlet, and would show that Ophelia is wanton and sexually knowledgeable. However Ophelia's talk with her father Polonius in act one scene three shows a different side of Ophelia. In this scene Polonius instructs Ophelia not to see Hamlet any more, unless Hamlet offers Ophelia more that he has done. This scene can be interpreted in
Identify and discuss different interpretations of Ophelia. Choose a particular scene to discuss in detail and then connect this with Ophelia's appearance in the rest of the play.
Identify and discuss different interpretations of Ophelia. Choose a particular scene to discuss in detail and then connect this with Ophelia's appearance in the rest of the play. Hamlet is the story of a Danish prince who's father, the late king whom he loved passionately, has recently been murdered. Hamlet's mourning is unnaturally deep as he suspects the murderer to be his fathers brother, now king, Claudius, who has also just married Hamlets mother, Gertrude. Hamlet seeks to avenge his fathers murder and is constantly seeking to find out the truth behind the suspicious death. Shakespeare wrote Hamlet in early 17th century, with the first print being dated back to 1603, he incorporated ideas from other sources such as Saxo Grammaticus and the history of Denmark. Various themes run throughout the play, the most significant being revenge, as well as death, insanity and suicide. Shakespeare borrows ideas for Hamlet from the story of Saxo Grammaticus, which was written in early 12th century, the outline of both plots are almost one and the same. The protagonist in Saxo Grammaticus is Amleth, also a Danish prince, who again seeks to avenge his fathers murder, it can be said that Hamlet is a contemporary version of this same character. However in Hamlet, Shakespeare goes to great lengths to achieve in-depth characterisation for each protagonist. All the characters are developed
Hamlet - One student said she sympathised most with Gertrude and Ophelia because they were women caught up in a man's world of politics, intrigue and violence. How far do you agree with her opinion?
Hamlet One student said she sympathised most with Gertrude and Ophelia because they were women caught up in a man's world of politics, intrigue and violence. How far do you agree with her opinion? The play 'Hamlet' written by William Shakespeare begins by establishing a mood of anxiety and dread. Broken rhythms generate an atmosphere of unease, apprehension and confusion. When the ghost of the old King Hamlet emerges we cannot tell whether it is good, bad or both. At one moment it appears to be 'majestical', "We did it wrong, being so majestical." And at another 'like a guilty thing', "And then it started like a guilty thing". All this uncertainty and anxiousness prepares us for Hamlets melancholy in the next scene. This whole play is based on violence, politics and intrigue and this is becomes apparent at the beginning of the play where Bernado and Fracisco are on guard. They appear nervous and worried because of the threat of invasion by Norway and also the recent death of the late King Hamlet. This first scene gives the audience an insight on the political situation that Denmark is in. The intrigue within the play begins when Fortinbras is given the opportunity to speak about the political situation of Denmark and the story of what happened between his father and Hamlets father. The guards also talk about the unheralded naval build-up commanded by the present
Shakespeare is unable to present women other than as passive victims or deceivers of men With reference to the characters of Ophelia and Gertrude explore to what extent you agree with this statement.
'Shakespeare is unable to present women other than as passive victims or deceivers of men" With reference to the characters of Ophelia and Gertrude explore to what extent you agree with this statement. It could be argued that Shakespeare constructs both Ophelia and Gertrude as weak, powerless and vulnerable in contrast to the powerful men around them. At the same time however, he is also reflecting women's social position at the time through these characters, so his view is something that would be traditional for the audience. In the actual play, their roles are minor compared to those of Hamlet, Claudius or Polonius. Throughout the play, Shakespeare uses Hamlet to undermine their position in society. For example, he says 'Frailty thy name is woman' 1, thus equating womankind with the attribute of frailty. Both Gertrude and Ophelia are overshadowed by the male characters, with no voice of their own, as Shakespeare uses them to recreate the position of women in Elizabethan times, which was basically that of a 'maid, wife, or widow, with whores alone outside of the stereotype.'2 Hamlet not only treats both his mother and Ophelia as inferior human beings, but also introduces another stereotype of 'whore' when talking about his mother, making him a complete misogynist. Women in Elizabethan times were seen as inferior in comparison to men and this is shown in 'Hamlet' through
Referring to knowledge of some of the characteristics of everyday talk, show how Shakespeare turns these to dramatic effect. During this extract (Act 1, scene iii; lines 1 - 51), Laertes gives Ophelia some brotherly advice
Referring to knowledge of some of the characteristics of everyday talk, show how Shakespeare turns these to dramatic effect. During this extract (Act 1, scene iii; lines 1 - 51), Laertes gives Ophelia some brotherly advice in relation to her relationship with Hamlet, before he leaves for France. Laertes appears passionate and loving towards his 'dear sister' and Shakespeare uses many aspects of everyday talk to successfully display this passion, and indeed Ophelia's reaction to it. As Ophelia is a major part within the play, Shakespeare would of known her character would have to be compelling as to keep the audience intrigued and entertained, and therefore, her first scene would have to be a dramatic introduction to her character. He achieves this with great success. Laertes and Ophelia's relationship is clearly one of mutual love. They both appear to care greatly for each other as shown by their terms of address for each other. Ophelia refers to Laertes as 'good my brother'; and Laertes to Ophelia as his 'dear sister'. This increases the emotiveness of the exchange due to the strong feelings, and in turn keeps the audience hooked. The whole extract is based upon the relationship between Ophelia and Hamlet, and Laertes concern relating to the relationship. Ophelia appears slightly upset by her brothers take on the situation and reveals her feelings to Hamlet through this;
"Shakespeare's women are merely objects of beauty; their sole function to be possessed"- Katie Stockholm - Discuss this in the light of the relationship between Ophelia and Hamlet and explore the extent to which he "loved" her.
Anna Booth 12Y Hamlet Essay 3.12.02 "Shakespeare's women are merely objects of beauty; their sole function to be possessed"- Katie Stockholm Discuss this in the light of the relationship between Ophelia and Hamlet and explore the extent to which he "loved" her. I agree with Stockholm to a certain extent as throughout the play Ophelia has been manipulated by other characters for their needs, an example of this manipulation would be when Hamlet uses Ophelia as a medium to let Polonius know that he is mad. In the play, Ophelia is portrayed as a very stereotypical woman of Shakespeare's time- she obeys orders and in my view she does not express her own opinion. This is typical of women in the 16th century as they were almost viewed as second class citizens by men and were expected to do as they were told. The audience is first introduced to Ophelia in Act One Scene One when she is saying goodbye to Laertes. Laertes warns her that even if Hamlet says that he loves her, he may not be able to decide for himself as he is next in line for the throne- "He may not, as unvalued persons do, carve for himself, for on his choice depends the safety and health of this whole state." Some interpretations would suggest that Laertes is being caring and looking out for his sister as he would not want to see her be hurt but I think that
'Are Gertrude and Ophelia merely pawns in the world of Hamlet? Explore the plays representation of femininity, paying close attention to the role and function of each of these two characters in the play'.
Hamlet 'Are Gertrude and Ophelia merely pawns in the world of Hamlet? Explore the plays representation of femininity, paying close attention to the role and function of each of these two characters in the play'. William Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' can be seen as a chess game bought to life. The play depicts the events in a 16th century Danish royal family that unfold after a suspicious murder of the king. The plays two female characters Gertrude and Ophelia can be likened to pawns in this intricate web of lies and deceit, as their words and actions are dictated by the males of the play. This can be directly linked to the broader cultural understandings of gender roles in 16th century England, as women were portrayed as passive, weak and submissive to the males power strength aggression and action . As all texts position readers to interpret different characters in different ways, this text to can be read as empowering the females, by appearing to be submissive, in order to manipulate the men. However, as essentially Gertrude acts as a vehicle for Hamlets emotions, and Ophelia is primarily shaped to conform to external demands to reflect the male characters desires, the role of the women in Hamlet is primarily that of a manipulated pawn in a chess game that not even the kings can win. The play 'Hamlet' begins with the funeral of the former king of
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.
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." The notion of such a young character possessing the qualities to show no candour or be a "fast girl" is absurd and should be discarded immediately. If there was any doubt to Ophelia's' youth then the above could be queried, but it is quite clear this is not the
Compare different possible readings of the characters of Gertrude and Ophelia. What impact would different interpretations have on the play as a whole? You might like in particular to consider what difference would be made to a production of the play if t
Compare different possible readings of the characters of Gertrude and Ophelia. What impact would different interpretations have on the play as a whole? You might like in particular to consider what difference would be made to a production of the play if the female characters were presented as strong in themselves, or as weak and in the control of others. What would be your preferred reading? Why? It is inarguable that the two females with most influence throughout 'Hamlet' are Ophelia and Gertrude, they are, after all, the only females! Their position as the only two women in the play immediately marks them out as non-typical characters; 'Hamlet' is a play centred around a struggle for the throne of Denmark, and the fact that the strength and influence of these characters is a matter of some debate adds to the complexities that make 'Hamlet' the play that it is. Two fairly major characters within the play posses a seemingly small influence upon the eventual outcome. The characters have, at first glance, little effect upon the major events of the play, and it is only through their interaction with the male cast that they have any real influence. This is what makes the question of the strength of their character such a pivotal one; it is very easy to portray them as weak, and under the influence of their male peers, but if they are perceived as strong characters, it may become
Ophelia can be viewed as an insignificant minor character in the play through the way she is used as an unwitting pawn in schemes of those who have control over her, as revealed in Act 2 Scene 2 where Polonius says I will loose my daughter to him
Ophelia Ophelia can be viewed as an insignificant minor character in the play through the way she is used as an unwitting pawn in schemes of those who have control over her, as revealed in Act 2 Scene 2 where Polonius says "I will loose my daughter to him" when he and Claudius plan how they will 'test' Hamlet's madness. The word loose objectifies Ophelia, portraying her as an animal used as bait for Claudius's own objectives; spying on Hamlet. Ophelia's character does not have a say in the matter, and through her absence in this particular scene, Shakespeare is able to emphasise her insignificance in the play. Ophelia's lack of appearance in the play also portrays her character as minor and insignificant, as Shakespeare only uses her character in 5 scenes. For the majority of these scenes, Ophelia has little contribution to the dialogue and her spoken lines are often responses to questions and commands by others who dominate the play, for example in Act 1 Scene 3 Ophelia's responses are short in comparison to her father's and brother's dialogue, most of which contains instructions on how Ophelia is expected to act; "Do not believe his vows... Look to't I charge you. Come your ways". The use of imperatives in this scene show how Ophelia is dominated by others and is therefore highlight her insignificance in the play. This is further portrayed in Ophelia's responses, such
