hamlet

Hamlet: Through the Lens of Gender Theory

"Through the lens of Gender theory, Shakespeare's characterization of men and women in Hamlet demonstrate a patriarchal approach throughout the play. In particular, we may explore the female characters of Gertrude and Ophelia and how they challenge -or fail to challenge- the domination of male characters. Throughout the play, Ophelia is represented as incoherent, silent, and a quintessential mad woman. Whilst Gertrude is represented as solely dependent on men, and her only characteristics are her elegance and charm. The two main female characters are always in the shadows of the male characters, and are the epitome of what a women should be like; obedient and tranquil. Ophelia and Gertrude are passive characters whom are fully reliable on the men in their life.

Ophelia, who is very static and lacks in dimensionality, does what she is told and does not stand up for herself. She is dominated by the men in her life and eventually falls apart into insanity. One important detail that contributes to her lack of womanly identity is the absence of her mother. Throughout the play, Ophelia’s mother is non-existent and most likely had died giving birth to her. Without that female figure to look up to, the absence of her mother leaves Polonius, her father, her most influential guardian. In Act 1 Scene 3, while Polonius is essentially lecturing Ophelia as opposed to conversing with her, he is not only telling her what to do, but also telling her how to act and be. Although he is speaking to Ophelia, he refers to her as "my daughter," showing ownership and dominance over her. His speech surpasses advice by telling Ophelia what to do rather than suggesting. As Ophelia states, “I do not know, my lord,...

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...d by five men. In the end, both Ophelia and Gertrude are portrayed as weak, helpless women in this patriarchal set play.

In conclusion, through the lens of Gender theory and examination, this play not only portrays women in a degrading manner, but definitely makes the male characters overshadow the female characters. As shown through two female characters whose parts are both subordinate and very compliant. Both women act like they are suppose to and do not even the slightest but challenge the male characters. Both women by the end of the play have completely lost their identities and have conformed to what society made them into, nothing but a puppet controlled by men. Hamlet is a play that has a clear distinction between male and female roles. The male roles are powerful, dominating, and controlling while the female characters are obedient, fractured and frail. "