Comparing Gertrude And Ophelia In William Shakespeare's Hamlet
analytical Essay
927 words
William Shakespeare’s play, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, is one of the most influential plays of all time. It has been retold numerous times in multiple genres due its popularity. Set in Denmark, the kingdom mourns the death of King Hamlet. Prince Hamlet returns from school to find his mother, Gertrude, marrying his uncle, Claudius. The ghost of Hamlet’s father reveals that he was murdered by Claudius. Hamlet feels the need to avenge his father’s death. Ophelia overcome with grief at the death of her father, Polonius, kills herself and Gertrude’s death by the poisoned cup of Claudius. Shakespeare uses Gertrude and Ophelia to exemplify the themes of grief, betrayal, and compassion.
The women of Hamlet endure the loss of ones close to their hearts, but grieve in
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In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how shakespeare's the tragedy of hamlet, prince of denmark, is one of the most influential plays of all time.
- Analyzes how the women of hamlet endure the loss of ones close to their hearts, but grieve in varying ways.
- Analyzes how gertrude and ophelia betray hamlet with direct and indirect action against him. the moral code of the time had forbidden such a marriage.
- Analyzes how gertrude and ophelia show compassion for hamlet, even though they betrayed him. they use dictions of "vailèd lids" to accentuate that he needs to open his eyes.
- Analyzes how gertrude and ophelia display their similarities and differences throughout the play. the two women convey grief, betrayal, and loyalty.
Gertrude talks to Hamlet, “Good Hamlet, cast thy nighted color off, / And let thine eye look like a friend on Denmark. / Do not forever with thy vailèd lids” (1.2.68-70). She speaks to Hamlet worried and distraught about his well-being because she sees him in this erratic state. She uses dictions of “vailèd lids” to accentuate that he needs to open his eyes from the madness. Gertrude tone displays her love for Hamlet that will not cease. She illustrates her concern for Hamlet showing that even though she has betrayed his father and him, that she still loves and is full of compassion for Hamlet. “Polonius speaks to Ophelia telling her, “That hath made him mad./ I am sorry that with better heed and judgment. (2.1.111-112). Polonius apologies for the result of his action to Ophelia as his decision to keep her from Hamlet is what he thinks is the cause of his madness. Polonius response to his daughter, which changes from his possessive tone to an understanding one, shows that he sees her compassion and love for Hamlet furthermore to her choice of obedience to Polonius over her compassion for
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- Hamlet's Relationship Of Opheliaanalytical essayHamlet, the tragic play written by William Shakespeare, takes place in Denmark during the late medieval period. The protagonist, Hamlet Prince of Denmark, feels responsible to get revenge for the murder of his father King Hamlet who was killed by the current King Claudius who was brother to the late King. Polonius is the Lord Chamberlain to King Claudius and he has a son names Laertes and a daughter named Ophelia. Ophelia and the young Hamlet had a budding relationship until her father would no longer allow her to see Hamlet. Ophelia is the embodiment of obedience and innocence since she grew up always following her father’s orders.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how hamlet, the tragic play written by william shakespeare, takes place in denmark during the late medieval period.
- Analyzes how ophelia is a devoted daughter and sister, even if she knows it may harm her relationship with the character in question.
- Analyzes how ophelia is unable to defend herself. in act i scene iv, she talks to her father about the growing relationship between herself and hamlet.
- Analyzes how ophelia is a victim due to the events surrounding her that make her do the things she did. polonius tells laertes to be true to himself while he is away.
733 wordsRead More - hamletanalytical essayOphelia and Gertrude, two different women who seem to be trapped in the same situation when it comes to Hamlet. Gertrude, Hamlet's mother and the Queen of Denmark is married to Claudius, who is suspected by Hamlet to have killed his father, King Hamlet, who is Claudius's brother. Gertrude ended up in the plot of King Hamlet's death and in the eyes of her son, is a monster and helped with the murder. Ophelia, the daughter of Polonius who is the King's counselor and is later killed in the play and has forbidden his daughter to see Hamlet. She truly loves Hamlet and is devastated when he disowns her and pretends to be mad. Hamlet's treatment towards these two women brings their characters to life and eventually brings an end to them.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how hamlet's treatment towards ophelia and gertrude brings their characters to life and eventually ends them.
- Analyzes how gertrude is a kind and loving mother who watches after her son through thick and thin and loves him unconditionally.
- Analyzes how ophelia is a young lady born to the king's faithful advisor, polonius, and sister to laertes.
- Analyzes how the king, unconvinced of his nephew's craziness, set up a meeting between hamlet and ophelia and threw her over the edge.
- Opines that it is a shame that hamlet had not treated the women in his life with the respect that they deserve.
1265 wordsRead More - The Relationship Between Hamlet And Opheliaanalytical essayThroughout the play Hamlet written by William Shakespeare in the early 1600’s, the relationship between the protagonist Hamlet and a girl named Ophelia is judged and ridiculed by Ophelia’s father Polonius, who is King Claudius’ counselor. The way that Polonius advises Ophelia and judges Hamlet’s intentions would be analysed in similar and different ways by a father from Shakespearean times compared to a father from modern times. Because Christianity was the prominent religion in the early 1600’s this would lead to a father from that era strongly believing in concepts such as sex after marriage. He would also strongly encourage the traditional values and expectations of a woman. However a father from modern times would be open to many different
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the relationship between the protagonist hamlet and a girl named ophelia is judged and ridiculed by polonius, king claudius' counselor. a father from shakespearean times would strongly believe in concepts such as sex after marriage.
- Analyzes how polonius tells ophelia not to speak to hamlet anymore because he doesn't want her hurt nor sleeping around.
- Compares the views of polonius and modern times, stating that both fathers would agree with his daughter's feelings.
- Analyzes how in scene two act two, ophelia tells polonius that hamlet proclaimed his love to her.
- Explains that both fathers would disagree with polonius' disregarded ophelia's feelings and want to know how their daughter felt.
- Analyzes how king claudius is not sure that hamlet has gone mad because of love yet polonius still thinks that that is the cause.
- Opines that polonius' father would support the idea of marrying a daughter into royalty because girls can't continue the family name once they get married. a father from modern times would not see it as important to marry his daughter.
- Explains that a father from the 1600's would agree with polonius' decisions, whereas one from modern times would disagree.
1055 wordsRead More - Essay On Ophelia In Hamletanalytical essayClaudius’ investigations into Hamlet’s unusual behavior involved Ophelia. He wishes to unveil the nature of Hamlet’s apparent madness. Throughout the beginning of the play the reader is aware of Hamlet’s anger towards his mother which he releases upon Ophelia after she is instructed to meet with him in the lobby. Claudius and Polonius direct Ophelia towards Hamlet and urges her to tell him that she wishes to return the affection that she had refuted from Hamlet. Hamlet’s inner conflict with his mother manifests itself in his actions as he suggests that Ophelia becomes a nun instead of a “breeder of sinners” (III. i. 123). This statement appears to be directed towards Gertrude as he wishes that she does not breed children with Claudius; who he claims is a sinner. Hamlet follows this by denouncing women and marriages as he states: “I say, we will have no more marriages. Those that are married already, all but one, shall live” (III. i. 149). Hamlet speaks of Gertrude and Claudius. As he leaves, Claudius and Polonius unveil themselves and discuss Hamlet’s conversation. They appear to not be convinced that he speaks because of love for Ophelia. Infact, Claudius states that Hamlet’s sadness is dangerous – “and I do doubt the hatch and the disclose will be some danger” (III. i. 169). During this segment of the play, the reader is shown that Hamlet’s actions are causing Claudius to further investigate the problem which will lead to Claudius’ order of killing Hamlet.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how claudius' investigations into hamlet's unusual behavior involved ophelia. he wishes to unveil the nature of his apparent madness.
- Analyzes how hamlet's attempts at feigning madness led him to not reveal the location of polonius' body after killing him. claudius had every right to kill the king.
- Analyzes how claudius' plan involved a sword fight between hamlet and laertes, fueled by his irrational murder of polonius and the death of ophelia.
- Concludes that hamlet's inner conflicts were the reason that he struggled with his task and that struggle led to his death.
706 wordsRead More - Hamletanalytical essayWhen Hamlet has thoughts of his mother he is affected both emotionally and psychologically. He is affected emotionally because it is his mother, his own blood that is apart of the ...
In this essay, the author
- Opines that shakespeare's play hamlet, named after his only son, is one of his best works. it shows the literal as well as the realistic sides of people during this culture and generations to come.
- Analyzes how hamlet's mysterious relationships with his friends, ophelia, and claudius are played out through their characters in the play.
- Analyzes how hamlet's view of his mother, gertrude, changes when he realizes that her sexual appetite is so deviant that she takes on her brother in-law.
- Analyzes how hamlet's thoughts of his mother affect him emotionally and psychologically. he is affected emotionally because it is his own blood that is apart of the betrayal against his father.
- Opines that gertrude is the type of female who has no opinion or say so of her own.
- Analyzes how hamlet says, "go do, i’ll no more on’t; it hath made me mad."
- Analyzes how hamlet's statement begins the first reflection of how he feels about women. he says that god gives women one face, but they play with another.
- Analyzes how hamlets' attitude towards women begins to rise through the play. he tells ophelia that he never loved her, and that she should get thee to a nunnery.
- Analyzes how hamlet believes that all families are betrayed in some way since his family was torn apart. he believes the world is full of deceitful people who wear masque
- Analyzes how hamlet makes suggestions to how he feels about women, mostly his mother. ophelia asks him about the length of the prologue.
- Analyzes how hamlet is upset with his mother, and the ghost of his father reminds him why he was there. gertrude senses hamlets anger after killing polonius.
- Analyzes how gertrude has influenced hamlet more than anyone in the play. although the influence is negative, it has made him look at other sides of people and take them for what they are.
1022 wordsRead More - Comparing Hamlet's Treatment of Ophelia and Gertrudeanalytical essayHamlet's Treatment of Ophelia and Gertrude Modern folklore suggests women look at a man's relationship with his mother to predict how they will treat other women in their life. Hamlet is a good example of a son's treatment of his mother reflecting how he will treat the woman he loves because when considering Hamlet's attitude and treatment of the Ophelia in William Shakespeare's play, Hamlet, one must first consider how Hamlet treated his mother. A characteristic of Hamlet's personality is to make broad, sweeping generalizations and nowhere is this more evident than in his treatment toward women. Very early in the play, while discussing his mother's transgressions, he comments, “Frailty, thy name is woman.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that hamlet is a good play to predict how they will treat other women in their life.
- Narrates how hamlet is angry and upset at queen the first time he meets the audience.
- Analyzes how the king, it is clear, he goes mad. his madness seems to amplify his
- Analyzes how the ghosts warn hamlet not to tell his mother.
- Opines that it was devastating to see his father.
- Explains that in the play, she is told by her father to break off all contact with him.
- Opines that hamlet's actions suggest that she can be no more trusted than queen gertrude.
- Analyzes how "bawd" and his daughter a prostitute in act ii (dover wilson, 105).
- Analyzes polonius' plot to use ophelia to find out if he has gone mad for love of her.
- Analyzes how the man tries to return his gifts, even though he claims not to have given them.
- Analyzes how he called her a liar. the rest of the scene is meant for the audience.
- Analyzes how hamlet is unstable at this point in the play and in his mind, he thinks.
- Analyzes how hamlet and the audience seem satisfied that the queen was not party to the murder of his father.
- Analyzes how hamlet is being cruel to all women, not just ophelia, because they are all the same to him.
- Analyzes how hamlet's hero in a tragedy shows the extent of his insanity.
1596 wordsRead More - Essay on the Manipulation of Polonius and Ophelia in Hamletanalytical essayThe main plot of Shakespeare's Hamlet centers around Prince Hamlet's desire to repay King Claudius for his evil deeds. Around this central action revolve the stories concerning the minor characters of Polonius and Ophelia. Though they do not motivate Hamlet's actions towards the King, these characters act as forces upon Hamlet himself, trying to spur him to do things he does not want to do. Both Polonius and Ophelia try, unsuccessfully, to manipulate Hamlet into a place of inferiority.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the minor characters of polonius and ophelia in shakespeare's hamlet try to manipulate him into a place of inferiority.
- Analyzes how polonius and ophelia discuss the meaning of hamlet's odd behavior in the first scene of act ii.
- Analyzes how polonius' first words show concern not for ophelia's well-being, but for hamlet'
- Analyzes how polonius' preoccupation with power and ophelia's desire for power result in a double-edged sword aimed at hamlet.
- Analyzes how hamlet's presence through ophelia is scattered intensity and puts him in the same place as his father was to him. by acting unpredictably insane, his true feelings can be successfully veiled from his potential enemies.
- Analyzes how the schemes aimed against hamlet by the characters of polonius and ophelia do not ultimately work because hamlets sees through their ploys.
- Explains that shakespearean tragedy: lectures on hamlet, othello, king lear, and macbeth.
998 wordsRead More - The Tragedy of Lady Ophelia in Shakespeare's Hamletanalytical essayMelancholy, grief, and madness pervade Shakespeare's great tragedy, Hamlet. The emotional maladies presented within Hamlet, not only allow the audience to sympathize with prince Hamlet, but also with the tragic lady Ophelia as well. It is Ophelia who suffers at her lover's discretion because of decisions she was obligated to make on behalf of her weak societal position.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how melancholy, grief, and madness pervade shakespeare's great tragedy, hamlet.
- Analyzes how hamlet provides his own self-torture and does fall victim to melancholia and grief - his madness is feigned.
- Analyzes how hamlet has the first reason to be hurt by ophelia because she follows her father's admonitions regarding his true intentions for their beginning love.
- Analyzes how hamlet's plan merely uses ophelia as a tool, and as such, she does not have much option of refusing without angering not only her busybody father but the conniving king.
- Analyzes how hamlet's melancholy allows him the flexibility of character to convey manic-depressive actions while ophelia is much more overwhelming and painful. shakespeare depicts him as on the border between sanity and madness.
- Analyzes how hamlet's thoughts of ophelia are secondary at best; he doesn't seem to be thinking of the potential effect of his actions on her.
- Analyzes how hamlet's emotional upswing is devoted entirely to his mother, but it is not his death alone that spurns her insanity.
- Analyzes how polonius is bordering on senility, and is a spy who meddles in affair that do not demand his participation, but he is ophelia's sole parent.
- Analyzes how hamlet's oedipal complex is more injurious to his character, and is the determining force for his unsuccessful relationship with ophelia.
- Opines that ophelia is the more tragic of the two because her madness is not feigned, and that it is caused by the very love of her life is even more disastrous for her poor young life.
1356 wordsRead More - Hamlet And Ophelia's Relationshipanalytical essayIn Act 1, the reader sees Hamlet come to conflicting time in his life. Hamlet is still upset about his father’s mysterious and his mother’s sudden marriage doesn’t help the situation. Although he has hatred for Claudius, Hamlet remains rational. At the marriage Hamlet puts his harsh feelings behind him when he says “But break, my heart, for I must hold my tongue” (I. ii. 164). Hamlet knew he would be better off holding his tongue than speaking out against his mother and her new husband. Nobody else in the kingdom has expressed any feelings against the new King Claudius so if he were to express that he does not like King Claudius, the rest of the kingdom might see Hamlet as insane for hating on Claudius. Although Hamlet says himself that he
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how hamlet's actions and decisions are thought out to ensure the consequences from his actions are not negative.
- Analyzes how hamlet's plot for revenge gets more intense as the characters perception of him worsens.
- Analyzes how hamlet and ophelia get into a heated argument while being watched by claudius and polonius, and he decides to disclose to his mother that his insane intentions are all calculated.
- Analyzes how hamlet and ophelia's relationship ends abruptly after the murder of polonius, when rosencrantz and guildenstern are sent by claudius to discover where the body is.
- Analyzes how hamlet utilizes the facade of madness to conceal his plot for revenge against claudius for killing his father king.
1051 wordsRead More - Ophelia and Hamlet in The Tragedy of Hamletanalytical essayOphelia and Hamlet In 1600, William Shakespeare composed what is considered the greatest tragedy of all time, Hamlet, the tragedy of the Prince of Denmark. His masterpiece forever redefined what tragedy should be. Critics have analyzed it word for word for nearly four hundred years, with each generation appreciating Hamlet in its own way. While Hamlet conforms, without a doubt, to Aristotle's definition of a tragedy, one question still lingers.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how laertes preaches the importance of ophelia's chastity in lines 30-33.
- Opines that my lord has made many tenders of his affection to me.
- Opines that shards, flints and pebbles should be thrown on her, yet here she is allowed her virgin crants.
- Analyzes how shakespeare's masterpiece, hamlet, redefined what tragedy should be. ophelia, a spirited young girl, is abandoned by everyone she holds dear.
- Analyzes how laertes paints an ugly picture of love in the world, urging ophelia to guard her virginity. polonius is much crueler to his daughter.
- Analyzes how polonius attempts to dismantle ophelia's feelings for hamlet, using her as an information source, rather than a daughter.
- Analyzes how elaine showalter's "ophelia: the responsibilities of feminist criticism" contends that "nothing" is representative of the female genitalia.
- Explains that ophelia's right to be buried on hallowed ground is contested; no other character faces such peril, even after death.
1557 wordsRead More