How Did Hamlet Really Love Ophelia

633 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: The love triangle in hamlet

In William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, there are two characters who are in a relationship, but many readers question whether Hamlet really loved Ophelia or not. I would argue that yes he did love Ophelia because there was countless time throughout the story where he shows her love and affection. He also never stopped loving her it was all just an act because he was focusing on getting revenge and had to act “crazy”.

In IIIi Ophelia is trying to return “love letters” to Hamlet that he wrote her. Ophelia says “My honored lord, you know right well you did,
And with them, words of sweet breath Composed
As make the things more rich”(Shakespeare,1992,IIIi)

This is one of the few times throughout the story where Hamlet can be honest about …show more content…

Forty thousand brothers, Couldn't not with all their quantity of love Make up my sum.What wilt thou do for her?”(Shakespeare,1992,Vi)

With this evidence, it shows that he really loved her without a doubt. If he did not really love her then why would he still, try to defend his love for her when she already dead? The only reason he used loved for the past tense is because she is now dead he can no longer lover currently. Hamlet also goes on to tell Latres “Will you cry? fight? stop eating? Cut yourself? etc I'll do all that…
“To be buried alive with her so will I”

This show that he really loves because he saying that now he does not really want to be alive no more because she not alive anymore, that she was like the only thing he lived for. Given these reasons I doubt that anyone should further question Hamlet love for Ophelia. Throughout the play Hamlet was such a confusing character because you never knew what was he going to do since he needed to act “crazy”and hide the fact that he really loved Ophelia, but he always made it clear to he that he loved her with out a

Show More
Related

  • Does Hamlet Really Love Ophelia Research Paper

    999 Words  | 2 Pages

    Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet” is full of intrigue. Is there really a ghost? Does Hamlet truly go mad? And where in the world did the pirates come from? Yet, even with all these questions, the most compelling is whether Hamlet truly loves Ophelia. One of the most iconic romantic relationship ever to be penned, and the love is still questionable. Does he really love her? Before the argument can be continued, the definition of romantic love which is used throughout must first be defined. It is a simple beauty— Love is caring for someone more than yourself. If held to this standard, Hamlet does not truly love Ophelia by the end of the play, though he may have loved her a some point. By the end of the play, where once existed some form of love for

    Read More

  • Parallels Between Hamlet and Disney Movies

    1675 Words  | 4 Pages

    ...sulted her when he knew that her father and his uncle were watching and taking notes. In addition, I do not understand why Hamlet waited until now to reveal his true feelings about Ophelia. Her death was probably what caused him to realize that he was unable to save her by telling her to leave the castle, instead he unhinged her sanity.

    Read More

  • To Be or Not To Be Loved

    1398 Words  | 3 Pages

    Often, people take the time they have with their loved ones for granted. Hamlet did not realize how much he loved Ophelia until she was gone forever. Although Hamlet's feelings towards Ophelia vary throughout the play, he has always loved her.

    Read More

  • Hamlet Movie Vs Movie Comparison

    1004 Words  | 3 Pages

    Throughout Shakespeare 's play it is clear that Ophelia and Hamlet were lovers but it is not entire certainty whether Hamlet loved Ophelia at the present time. His declaration of love in the written play could have been seen as an indication of his madness. In the film version Hamlet is seen hiding in the bushes while Ophelia 's funeral begins and once he discovers it is her he is overcome with grief to the point where Horatio has to hold him back (Hamlet). The pain on Hamlet 's face is apparent as well as his sanity. Another example of their relationship is in act 3 scene 1 after Hamlet finished his soliloquy he says the line “the fair Ophelia” (Shakespeare 4.1.97) while reading the play I assumed he said this line when he addressed her, and that he was pleasant to her until his madness took over and he became rude. In Doran’s adaptation however Hamlet spoke the line “the fair Ophelia” before she even saw him, he was speaking to himself with a tone of love and affection. Additionally, Hamlet remained pleasant to her until he turned and noticed the security camera (Hamlet). It was only then that Hamlet began to act mad and unpleasant towards Ophelia. This version gave a new depth to Hamlet’s madness and strengthens the idea that he was simply

    Read More

  • Ophelia's Road to Madness

    941 Words  | 2 Pages

    From the beginning of Hamlet, Ophelia was a pure, genuine, happy person and had found her true love. Ophelia’s brother warns her to stay away from Hamlet because he is just going to hurt her and that he is never going to really love her, she is to be obedient and follow what they say. Laertes: “For Hamlet and the trifling of this favor, Hold it a fashion, and a toy in blood, A violet in the youth of primy nature, Forward, not permanent, sweet, not lasting, The perfume and suppliance of a minute, No more.” Ophelia: “I shall th’effect of this good lesson keep As watchman to my heart. But good my brother, Do not as some ungracious pastors do, Show me the steep and thorny way to heaven, Whiles like a puffed and reckless libertime Himself the primrose path of dalliance trends, And recks not this own rede” (I. III. 1-135).

    Read More

  • Does Hamlet Truly Love Ophelia Analysis

    1057 Words  | 3 Pages

    I do believe that Hamlet did truly love Ophelia. I say this because when watching and reading the play, the way he acted around her made the love seem pure and genuine. He also professed his love for her throughout the play; he stated that he loved her more than once. When Ophelia died it was obvious that Hamlet was hurt/sad about her death. If not for all the extra drama with Hamlet trying to avenge the death of his father, and Ophelia’s father and brother making her believe that Hamlet was trying to use her and he was above her means, I believe that they had a pretty good chance of making things work. I do believe that the two loved each other.

    Read More

  • Ophelia's Madness In Hamlet Essay

    1332 Words  | 3 Pages

    Later on in the play she encounters Hamlet she is reminded of what Laertes and Polonius said, She then "finds some support to their remarks in the actions of hamlet in her closet" (Camden 248). She eventually tells her father of this encounter "And with a looks so piteous in purport/ As I he had been loosed ot of hell/To speak of horrors,--he comes before me," (2.1.80.82). Ophelia describes him as, at the time, a perfect picture of total madness. Ophelia "fears that Hamlet is mad for love, and if so he is mad for the love she has been forbidden to give him" (Camden 248). During the "get thee to a nunnery" scene Ophelia tries her hardest to be as gentle and caring towards him, "how does your honor for this many a day" (1.3.92) because she is genuinely concerned for his well-being, But "Ophelia's love tokens makes Hamlet feel more miserable" (Rahman 34). This pushes Hamlet to say many nasty things to her "Ay, truly, for the power of beauty will sooner/transform honesty from what it is to a bawd than the/force of honesty can translate beauty into his/likeness. This was sometime a paradox, but now the/time gives it proof. I did love you once."(3.1.113-117). Katherine Fitzpatrick tells us about Ophelia saying that "their love interests do not live up to their romanticized ideal" (95). Hamlets acts towards Ophelia crushes her, especially when he says " I did

    Read More

  • Does Ophelia Be Forced To Hate Against Hamlet's Love

    1384 Words  | 3 Pages

    which is the ultimate burn to Hamlet, and Ophelia does not bother to inform Hamlet of her father’s commands, she simply leaves. All the important women in Hamlet’s life have betrayed him one way or another which gives him justification for his bitter and hostile view of women.

    Read More

  • Analysis Of Shakespearean Revenge Tragedy In William Shakespeare's Hamlet

    1742 Words  | 4 Pages

    The question arises, did Hamlet love Ophelia? Although there is evidence Hamlet did love her, he needed her to believe that she was insane along with the other’s so as to act on his father’s revenge. The external appearance of the ghost and more, the wedding affected Hamlet’s internal thoughts and external actions of his love for Ophelia. Wich, is apparent in the nunnery scene. “ Get thee to a nunnery, go, Farewell. Or, if thou wilt needs marry, marry a fool, for wise men know well enough what monsters you make of them. To a nunnery, go, and quickly go too. Farewell” (3.1.138-142). In the Elizabethan era, a nun was another word for a prostitute. Hamlet’s mother’s behavior has colored his thoughts of all women. However, Ophelia thinks he is talking out of his insanity. “Heavenly power, restore him” (31. 143). Ophelia prays that God brings the Hamlet she knows and loves back. When Claudius and Gertrude hear about the conversation, they affirm his madness as well as her father,

    Read More

  • Ambiguity In Hamlet Essay

    1675 Words  | 4 Pages

    The tragedy Hamlet, one of the most renowned Shakespearean shows, displays an impressive amount of ambiguity. The show is well loved by many because the ambiguity allows people to relate to Hamlet in ways not often seen in literature. One of the biggest ambiguities in the tragedy has to do with Hamlet’s love interest, Ophelia. At the beginning of the show it is revealed that Ophelia is receiving love letters from Hamlet and is advised by her father not to reciprocate as Hamlet is far above her station and could easily break her heart and ruin her reputation. Later we see Ophelia play the role of the spy and check up on Hamlet under the orders of Claudius and her father.

    Read More

  • The Analysis of the Character Ophelia on Hamlet

    1284 Words  | 3 Pages

    Two of Ophelia’s difficulties arise from her father and brother. They believe that Hamlet is using her to take her virginity and throw it away because Ophelia will never be his wife. Her heart believes that Hamlet loves her although he promises he never has (“Hamlet” 1). Hamlet: “Ay, truly, for the power of beauty will sooner transform honesty from what it is to a bawd than the force of honesty can translate beauty into his likeness. This was sometime a paradox, but not the time gives it proof. I did love you once.” Ophelia: “Indeed, my lord, you made me believe so.” Hamlet: “You should not have believed me, for virtue cannot so inoculate our old stock ...

    Read More

  • Hamlet's Relationship Between Hamlet And Ophelia

    1305 Words  | 3 Pages

    Hamlet has many significant relationships, which eventually diminish, leading him to become more independent. One relationship which has dwindled, but was once flourishing, was with Hamlet’s one and only love interest, Ophelia. Hamlet’s and Ophelia's love was a forbidden one. “Ay, springes to catch woodcocks. I do know, /When the blood burns, how prodigal the soul/Lends the tongue vows...You must not take for fire. From this time/ Be somewhat scanter of your maiden presence” (1.3.124-130). Essentially, Polonius, Ophelia’s father, is agreeing to a statement made by Laertes, saying that Ophelia’s sexuality and the fact that she’s not being “pure” is making her vulnerable. As well, Ophelia is being used as a tool to reveal Hamlet’s true mental

    Read More

  • How Does Hamlet Misinterpreted Homosexual

    809 Words  | 2 Pages

    Hamlet proves his love for Ophelia by giving her various trinkets and letters. The way their relationship is portrayed, it seems that they have not been together very long but they are just in that young adult stage where no matter what one loves their partner. Hamlet and Ophelia’s relationship goes through a rough patch when Ophelia’s brother Laertes and her father Polonius disapprove of the relationship. One may find it a little weird that the only reason giving, as to why Laertes and Polonius disapprove is that they think Hamlet's feelings are not real. Hamlet claims “I loved Ophelia; forty thousand brothers,could not, with all their quantity of love, Make up my sum,” (255). In the beginning of the play we see that Polonius does not believe Hamlet’s love for Ophelia is real, but as Ophelia argues “ He hath, my lord, of late made many tenders of his affection to me” (45). As readers we can interpret this as a sign that Hamlet loves

    Read More

  • The Relationship Between Mother and Son in Hamlet by William Shakespeare

    1056 Words  | 3 Pages

    This altered view of love has also undoubtedly changed Hamlet's relationship with the women he loves and who claims to love him, Ophelia. He comments on the love of a woman in general when he is seated beside Ophelia, watching the play and he asks her about the prologue. She responds "'Tis brief, my lord" for which Hamlet answers "As woman's love" (III.ii. 137-138). Hamlet distances himself from Ophelia and tells her that he had never loved her (III.

    Read More

  • Examples Of Internal Conflict In Hamlet

    1566 Words  | 4 Pages

    Hamlet loves her but is appalled by her behavior: her dishonesty in refusing to keep affection and her unwillingness to be honest with him. Those two things are what revealed her betrayal. For all of the betrayal, he reacts violently and cruelly. Because Gertrude showed him the shortness of woman's love, Hamlet finds it difficult to trust women, including Ophelia. Hamlet wanted to love Ophelia, but he had duties to perform and had no time to think about love. Ophelia eventually becomes faced with internal conflicts and she eventually becomes crazy. She always obeyed her father rules whether she wanted to or not. When her father wanted her to stop seeing Hamlet she agreed by saying “"I shall obey my Lord" (I.iii.145). When Polonius used her to spy on Hamlet for King Claudius, she did exactly what she was told. Eventually, Ophelia snaps — just like anyone else would who spent their lives obeying other people. Hamlet cannot stand the actions of Ophelia, therefore, he has nothing to do with her. Hamlet soon regrets it when he finds out that he has made a crucial

    Read More

More about How Did Hamlet Really Love Ophelia

Open Document