Ophelia and Hamlet :: GCSE English Literature Coursework

Ophelia and settlement Norrie Epstein in One of sights Casualties presents her testimony in favor of Ophelia in Shakespeares Hamlet outranking the protagonist in her ability to draw an empathetic reaction from the reference It is Ophelia, not Hamlet, who most commands our sympathy. One of destinys casualties, shes brush along by political events just as she is borne by the river at her death. . . .At her kickoff appearance we see an innocent, trusting, and spirited young girl, provided by her last scene she is contaminated, dotty, and knowing. Whatever she might have become has been blighted. Insane, Ophelia at last speaks the truth, although no one understands her, and Shakespeare gives her one of the most cryptic lines in the play Lord, we know what we are, but know not what we may be. Ophelia goes mad because she discovers what others may be. (74) It is the intent of this essay to examine the victimized and empathetic reflexion of Ophelia, as well as many other facets o f the interesting genius of Hamlets girlfriend with the help of literary criticism on this subject. The protagonist of the tragedy, Prince Hamlet, initially appears in the play dressed in dear black, mourning the death of his father supposedly by snakebite while he was away at Wittenberg as a student. Hamlet laments the hasty remarriage of his contract to his fathers brother, an incestuous act thus in his first soliloquy he cries out, Frailty, thy name is woman Ophelia enters the play with her brother Laertes, who, in parting for school, bids her farewell and gives her advice regarding her relationship with Hamlet. Ophelia agrees to abide by the advice I shall the meat of this good lesson keep as watchman to my heart. After Laertes departure, Polonius inquires of Ophelia concerning the private age which Hamlet spends with her. He dismisses Hamlets overtures as Affection, puh Polonius considers Ophelia a honey oil girl, incapable of recognizing true love These blazes . . . yo u must not take for fire. He gets her assurance that she will not talk with Hamlet anymore. When the ghost negotiation privately to Hamlet, he learns not only about the murder of his father, but also about the unfaithfulness and adultery of his mother. Gertrude was seduced by that incestuous, that adulterate beast,/With witchcraft of his wit, with traitorous gifts Claudius himself prior to his brothers passing.