Ophelia's Treatment Of Women In Hamlet

While William Shakespeare’s play, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, undeniably can be classified as a timeless piece of literature, it is clear that this tragedy stimulates countless questions about the treatment of women. Throughout the course of the play, the portrayal of the only two female characters demonstrations an understanding of the representation of women whom are unable to take action based off their own thoughts and beliefs due to the pressure of the society around them, which is primarily dominated by strong, fearless male figures. Shakespeare’s characterization of women displays the viewpoint of how this 17th century scenery would value a female’s perspective on the surrounding world. The theme of gender presents a critical

She struggles to choose between what her father and her brother want her to do and between her own beliefs, to be with Hamlet. Ultimately, Ophelia’s struggle drives herself to madness; she is unable to cope with the pressure to make a choice. Laertes, Ophelia’s brother, says, “If with too credent ear you list his songs Or lose your heart, or your chaste treasure open To his unmastered importunity. Fear it, Ophelia, fear it, my dear sister (Shakespeare Act I, Scene 3, Lines 31-33)”. The men in Ophelia’s life are pressing to keep her virginity and bluntly tell her that her boyfriend wants nothing to do with her. Morally, Ophelia is unsure what decision has best interest in mind. She wants to follow her father’s wishes but also wants to find a way to attend to her own desires. She knows that without her father’s approval she will be unable to be truly happy but without Hamlet she will still lack the love she craves. In addition to being controlled and pressured, Ophelia often takes the brunt of being not being respected or valued by the men around her on multiple occasions. For example, Hamlet says to her, “That’s a fair thought to lie between maids' legs (Shakespeare Act 3, Scene 2, and Line 108)”. Through these words, readers gain better comprehension of how the men in the play value Ophelia. Hamlet has no regard for Ophelia’s reputation because this use of sexual innuendo. He

Throughout the play, Gertrude chief issues stem from her previous husband’s death and her new marriage to Claudius. Though Gertrude lacks speech in many areas of the play, readers can still comprehend Gertrude’s place in society by looking to how the men around interact with her. For example, Hamlet says, “Let me not think on't—Frailty, thy name is woman!—(Shakespeare Act 1, Scene 2, Lines 146)”. Hamlet is expressing to his mother that she is weak! He is establishing his perspective based off his mother’s decision to remarry his own uncle, Claudius. Hamlet is very upset and distraught because of his mother’s choice; he in turn uses these emotions and takes them out on his mom. Throughout the play, Hamlet’s focal point is his absence of endorsement for his mother’s relationship with Claudius. He expresses his beliefs when he explains, “Come, come, and sit you down. You shall not budge. You go not till I set you up a glass where you may see the inmost part of you (Shakespeare Act 3, Scene 4, Lines 18-20)”. Hamlet is speaking to his mother and attempting to open her eyes to what she is blind to. He wants her to recognize the ugly interior he has witnessed since her marriage to Claudius. In addition to Hamlet’s lack of approval, readers can comprehend just how much Claudius actually values Gertrude when he says, “It is the poisoned cup. It is too late (Shakespeare Act 5, Scene 2, Lines