Opehlia Essay, Research Paper
Hamlet/Ophelia True Love Betrayed I would have to strongly disagree with Nicole’s interpretation
of Hamlet and Ophelia’s relationship. They were most certainly
lovers. Halmlet did without question offer Ophelia “tenders”
of his affection, and we know this because she must return
them to Hamlet. In addition, we also have the letter read
from Polonius to Claudius and Gertrude in which Hamnlet writes
to Ophelia I did love thee once. So indeed, Hamlet did love
Ophelia, and evidence is also in the play that she did love
the prince. When Laertes tells Ophelia to beware of Hamlet’s
love, she does not deny her love for Hamlet but responds that
yes she will be careful. As for the song, no part of
any of Shakespeare’s plays is ever thrown in simply because
it was popular at the time. When Ophelia sings that sing
in her mentally disturbed state she is revealing the nature
of her relationship to Hamlet and his promises of love.
The question now becomes, who is to blame for the
relationship’s demise. Many blame Hamlet for being too hard
on Ophelia, but her treatment and the “Get thee to a nunnery”
speech is, in a certain sense, justified. Hamlet’s entire
world is collapsing around him. His uncle has killed Hamlet’s
father. His mother may have been a co-conspirator in King
Hamlet’s death(though there is no definitive proof) and, at
the very least, she has married her husband’s murderer. Hamlet
has been betrayed by his close friend’s Rosencrantz and
Guildenstern. Everyone special to Hamlet has betrayed him.
Ophelia has broken off their relationship because her father
Polonius, forced her to, and we can guess that Hamlet knows
that may be the case because shortly before the “get thee to
a nunnery speech” he refuses to take his “tenders” back. He
still loves her. But when he asks “Where is your father” and
Ophelia replies “At home” he knows that now, she too, has
betrayed him. We do not feel bad when Hamlet exacts his
revenge or chastises the other that be tray him, so why do
we blame him when he chastises Ophelia as a result of her
betrayal. Some criticism exists that compares Ophelia’s
betrayal to prostituion, and this may account for our
discomfort with regard to Hamlet’s treatment of Ophelia, not
because we forgive her “prostitute-like” act but because
she becomes a pawn in Polonius’s little game to earn the
king’s favor. We cannot exonerate her betrayal because
being honest is possible for her, but we can mitigate it
because her father is the one who “pimped” her if we want to
continue using the prostitution motif.
Ultimately, I do believe that Hamlet and Ophelia were true
lovers. Even the bumbling Polonius admits that Hamlet’s love
may have been truer that even he believed. Finally, the
truness of this love is what makes Ophelia’s betrayal of
Hamlet so poignant and Branagh did a marvelous job
capturing the painfulness of that betrayal.
Ophelia: Daughter of Polonius and love interest of Hamlet. When Hamlet rejects her and eventually kills her father, Ophelia goes mad. She drowns herself in this state. Her death is used by Claudius to enlist the help of her brother in the murder of Hamlet.
Hamlet Elaine Showalter defines Ophelia in many typical ways in her essay “Representing Ophelia: Women, Madness, and the Responsibilities of Feminist Criticism.” She discusses her significance in reference to how she reveals Hamlet’s characteristics. Showalter touches upon the idea that Ophelia’s character is one that is symbolic of the psychiatric theories of Freud. Showalter also attributes the characterization of Ophelia to not only the audience, but also to the actress that plays the part.
Sweet and innocent, faithful and obedient, Ophelia is the truly tragic figure in William Shakespeare?s Hamlet. Her nature invites us to pity her misfortune caused not by any of her own self-initiated deeds or strategies. Laertes tells us convincingly how young and vulnerable Ophelia is, (act I. iii.10) likening her budding womanhood?s destruction from Hamlet to a process as ?the canker galls the infants of the spring,/ Too oft before their buttons be disclosed, /And in the morn and liquid dew of youth
Another significant female character is Ophelia, Hamlet’s love. Hamlet’s quest for revenge interferes with his relationship with Ophelia. There is much evidence to show that Hamlet loved her a great deal, but his pretense of madness drove her to her death. Ophelia drowned not knowing what was happening to her. This can be deduced by the fact that she flowed down the river singing and happy when in truth she was heartbroken. Ophelia was very much afraid when she saw Hamlet “with his doublet all unbraced; No hat upon his head; his stockings foul’d, Ungarter’d, and down-gyved to his ancle” (Act #. Scene #. Line #). She described him as being “loosed out of hell” (Act #. Scene #. Line #). In addition to that he scared her when he left the room with his eyes still fixed on her. She is especially hurt when Hamlet tells her that he no longer loves her and that he is opposed to marriage. He advises her to go to a nunnery and avoid marriage if she can. “If thou dost marry, I’ll give thee this plague for thy dowry: be thou as chaste as ice, as pure as snow, thou shalt not escape calumny. Get thee to a nunnery, go: farewell” (Act #. Scene #. Line #). Hamlet says, “I loved Ophelia: forty thousand brothers Could not, with all their quantity of love, Make up my sum. What wilt thou do for her” (Act #. Scene #. Line #). His true love for her caused him to stand up to Laertes and fight for her. He is willing to be buried with her in the grave as well.
Love, control over action, and the ability to overcome depression are just a few ways to prove maturity. It is obvious Hamlet loves Ophelia in his own way ?. . . the celestial and my soul?s idol, the most beautified Ophelia . .
Другие работы по теме:
Things They Carry Essay Research Paper THINGS
Things They Carry Essay, Research Paper THINGS THEY CARRY Through the novel we have understood what O’Brien thinks of true war stories. O’Brien statements about war stories is a true war story is never moral, you can’t tell a true war story. It’s beyond telling. In a true war story, nothing is absolutely true.
Sonnet About Death Essay Research Paper Death
Sonnet About Death Essay, Research Paper Death is full of sorrow and surprise Sooner or later it comes at anytime. Even though I do not remember my demise In my hearts I still remember my greatest crime.
Proteus Essay Research Paper Act II Scene
Proteus Essay, Research Paper Act II, Scene VI is a soliloquy delivered by Proteus, wherein he is pondering whether or not to pursue Silvia, the love of his dear friend, Valentine. We see a dramatic change in Proteus by the end of this scene.
My Love Essay Research Paper You are
My Love Essay, Research Paper You are my everything My one true love My heart will sing If we can stay forever in love When I first laid eyes upon you My jaw dropped
Poem Essay Research Paper I went to
Poem Essay, Research Paper I went to bed last night Wishing on a star Your light shines in my heart No matter where you are It’s hard for me to say My words are sometimes few
They Know Essay Research Paper Out of
They Know Essay, Research Paper Out of my love for you is conceived only pain However that gives me some pleasure Your face reflects the night of a full moon
Love Essay Research Paper When we think
Love Essay, Research Paper When we think about the definition of love, it s not easy to think of one specific definition, or even one kind. Since love, to every person, is felt differently and is defined as so many different things such as a feeling, a person, or a way of life, it is difficult to encompass a true interpretation of what it means.
Always And Forever Essay Research Paper When
Always And Forever Essay, Research Paper When nothing makes sense and every thought is blurred, Love finds it’s way and somehow I understand. I know why it is and what must be,
A Mid Summer Nights Dream Essay Research
Paper A Mid Summer Nights Dream True love never runs a smooth coarse. And this is quit evident in a Mid Summer Night?s dream. The young love of two people is far more powerful than one thinks. And at the end true love will prevail no matter what gets in the way.
Love Definition Essay Research Paper The word
Love Definition Essay, Research Paper The word love is defined as: "a deep feeling of affection, devotion, or attachment to another person". Knowing the literal definition is not enough
Him Essay Research Paper I think about
Him Essay, Research Paper I think about him day and night The though won’t go away And, oh, how I would hold him tight every second of the day He is perfect, that is true, not an average me or you
Romero Essay Research Paper In the movie
Romero Essay, Research Paper In the movie Romero, Archbishop Romero changes very much in his understanding of love and in his understanding of true conscience. At first Romero is just a priest who isn’t really concerned about the poor and how they are being oppressed, but when Romero is chosen to be the new Archbishop his friend, who is assassinated, I think has a slight impact on him.
Who I Am Essay Research Paper Hi
Who I Am Essay, Research Paper Hi there. What?s going on? To answer a few of your questions, I live in Valley Stream in Nassau County. I will travel anywhere to be with the one I love. I am a very sensitive and caring guy. I love to go to the movies, I love to dance and no I do not smoke. Lol. I have perfect teeth and I want to keep it that way.
A Mid Overlook Of Shakespeare Essay Research
Paper William Shakespeare?s play A Midsummer Night?s Dream is about love. Shakespeare creates for readers a world of wonder. How true is my love? Will it stay true? Is there a destiny for me? Do I make my own destiny? With that we see Hermia and Lysander. Their love is found to be altered throughout the story. Can you tell who you are going to love tomorrow, do you know for sure that you wont wake up tomorrow infatuated with someone else? Is love predictable?
Poem Breaking Me Essay Research Paper Breaking
Poem: Breaking Me Essay, Research Paper Breaking Me Everyday, I see your face, I wish that you?d stayed Don?t even know what made you run away It?s just the way, that you play the game
Annabell Lee Essay Research Paper In the
Annabell Lee Essay, Research Paper In the poem Annabell Lee the poet Eggar Allen Poe brings out the theme that true love will never die. This is a poem that is timely in its relevance. There are few
The Patience Of Penelope Essay Research Paper
Essay: ? The Patience of Penelope? Do you believe that ?true love? is Eternal? Would you be able to wait for your ?true love? to arrive or would you settle for what is at reach? In the Greek love story,
Love Theme Essay Research Paper They say
Love Theme Essay, Research Paper They say to love is a beautiful thing They say to love is work, but is worth it. Alas, they say to love is to be eternally happy. But who exactly is ?they??
Poetry Unchanging Love Essay Research Paper Love
Poetry: Unchanging Love Essay, Research Paper Love is a very powerful word. It is that feeling inside that warms every heart. It is what brings people closer together. It is what everyone is searching for. If this love is true, it will live on. William Shakespeare makes this very clear in his Sonnet 116. The physical body will decay, but as long as love is loyal and persevering, it will live on forever.
Evangaline Essay Research Paper Pain and LoveIn
Evangaline Essay, Research Paper Pain and Love In life love and pain are always connected. This is also true in Evangeline. Many things can cause love and pain. Separation and death are the main and obvious things that have love and pain. Devotion to one person can also cause love and pain in your heart and in the relationship.
I Love You Essay Research Paper I
I Love You Essay, Research Paper I Love the way you hold me, When I have no one to turn to. I love how you always convince me Your love is so true. I love the way you make me laugh
LoveWhat Is It Essay Research Paper Love
Love:What Is It? Essay, Research Paper Love: What is it? To many people love means many things. To others, to love is to place their happiness in one another. Love can be how they feel about that special someone. I’m not talking about the fatherly love or that motherly love. I’m talking about the love that you feel towards someone.
Alwayz And Forever Essay Research Paper Alwayz
Alwayz And Forever Essay, Research Paper Alwayz and Forever in my heart you will stay. My love for you grows with each passing day. Always and Forever I will remain faithful and true.
Compare Contrast The Love Between Claudio And
Hero Essay, Research Paper Compare/ contrast the love between Claudio and Hero with Beatrice and Bene*censored*. Whose is Stronger? The lovebetween Bene*censored* and Beatrice was much stronger than the love between Hero and Claudio. One reason Bene*censored* and Beatrice?s love was stronger because the way Hero and Claudio got together was not true love.
Poem The Dove Essay Research Paper The
Poem: The Dove Essay, Research Paper The day i met you, i had no clue, that we could love, upon a dove, but the day our love was set, it was difficult to get, a moment with us together,
How Do I Maintain True Friendship Essay
?, Research Paper “How Do I Maintain True Friendship?” Making friends for a lot of us comes naturally, but maintaining these friendships may become somewhat difficult. This is because true friendship cannot survive without these three aspects: Love, Respect and Honesty. If any of these aspects are lacking in the friendship, it will slowly disintegrate.
True Love Essay Research Paper Before you
True Love Essay, Research Paper Before you are able to criticize love, you must experience the emotion first. Like Shakespeare says, It is better to have loved and lost then to never have loved at all. Some people have had good experiences with love and some have had bad experiences. Love can teach you a lot about yourself and how you interact with other people.
Love Poems Essay Research Paper All That
Love Poems Essay, Research Paper All That You Are by Steven Duke Poem No. 41993 Everything that you are, Makes me wonder how it’s true, That I?ve found everything I have,
Poem Love At The First Sight Essay
, Research Paper Love at First Sight Do I believe in love at first sight? Forgive the laugh, but the question is so naive! Youthful fancies hardly encompass the complexities
MY HERO Essay Research Paper TO ME
MY HERO Essay, Research Paper TO ME A HERO IS A PERSON WHO HELPS A LIFE. NOT NECESSARILY SAVE IT… BUT AFFECT IT IN A SPECIAL WAY. TO ME THIS PERSON IS MY FATHER.
Poem More Than You
’ll Ever Know Essay, Research Paper More Than You’ll Ever Know Words can’t express My feelings for you. I search for the right words, But none that I find will do.