Hamlet´s Treatment of Ophelia and Gertrude

1670 Words4 Pages

Love in the forms of parent to child and from lover to lover is an addictive element which can result in loneliness and lead to madness to those who lose it forever. Hamlet's relationship with Gertrude and Ophelia is quick to fall apart after he learns key information about his parentage. Both Gertrude and Ophelia provide him with love but are absent at a time when he needs it most; during the reign of his madness. Hamlet's madness is partly evident due to his poor relationship with Gertrude and Ophelia, since they falsely love him then reject him by moving on with their lives. Both females have heavily contributed to the misogyny Hamlet develops. Ophelia and Gertrude disappoint Hamlet which leads him to become a misogynist which contributes to the death of both female characters at the end of the novel.
Hamlet considers both Gertrude and Ophelia to be sinful women due to the loss and gain of love throughout their lives. Since learning about the truth regarding the death of his father, Hamlet holds a grudge against him Gertrude. Hamlet blames Gertrude's incestous act for the death of his father. "A bloody deed. Almost as bad, good mother,/ As kill a King and marry with his brother" (3.4: 28-29). After King Hamlet's ghost had appeared before Hamlet to inform him about the reality of his death, Hamlet was overcome by anger. Hamlet's anger leads to a change in his view regarding Gertrude since he loses his mother-son connection with her. By believing that Gertrude played a part in the death of his father, Hamlet develops a solid hatred for Gertrude which shapes his overall behaviour. Hamlet believes that the act of Gertrude having part in the death of his father cannot be due to her love for Claudius since she has lived major...

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...imes of her life. Hamlet’s hatred for Ophelia after the loss of love between them led to Hamlet not being part of Ophelia’s life, but being the cause of her death. Hamlet’s hatred for both Ophelia and Gertrude comes to an end only by the result of both their deaths.
Ophelia and Gertrude have evidently led Hamlet to developing a hatred for them due to their treatment of him. This initially builds up to their death which is of Hamlet’s doing. Hamlet once held a solid relationship with both Ophelia and Gertrude but was soon brought to an end by his treatment towards them. Though Hamlet blames Ophelia and Gertrude for his absence from their lives, Hamlet is responsible for his expressions towards them. Hamlet strictly requires love from both Gertrude and Ophelia even though he provides them with none; he receives but tries to give back once it is too late.

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