Essay about Ophelia Harshly Criticized - 1027 Words

Hamlet, a tragedy written by William Shakespeare in the 16th century, has been subject to evaluation for centuries. Each character has been broken down and analyzed. The psychology of each character has been examined. Every relationship has been studied to find more answer surrounding the play. Harold Bloom and Sigmund Freud have examined it extensively. Scholars have dissected all parts of the play. One character that has recently been analyzed more and more is Ophelia. She has been defended by feminists and criticized by many who believed she was mad. In their article and revisions, â€Å"Representing Ophelia: Women, Madness, and the Responsibilities of Feminist Criticism,† from Shakespeare and the Question of Theory, edited by Patricia†¦show more content†¦Hamlet’s story without Ophelia, but Ophelia literally has no story without Hamlet’† (Showalter). Ophelia is never given the opportunity to be treated as a main character. She is seen as someon e who lives in Hamlet’s shadow and is a tool used by Hamlet for his own sexual enticing rather than her role as a woman and human. Ophelia is underappreciated as a human being and viewed as a sexual enticement for Hamlet. Hamlet fails to address the feelings of Ophelia, but instead refers to her as having â€Å"nothing† (Hamlet Act 3 Scene 2 line 119). This is shown in Act III Scene ii of Hamlet: Hamlet: That’s a fair thought to lie between maids’ legs. Ophelia: What is, my lord? Hamlet: Nothing. (III.ii. 117-119) During the Elizabethan time, the term â€Å"nothing† was referred to as female genitalia. Hamlet then saw â€Å"nothing† â€Å"between the maids’ legs.† This dejects the role of women in sexual relations and dejects the relationship Ophelia had with Hamlet. The reader only knows that Ophelia and Hamlet have a physical connection after reading of the few flashbacks. Other than that, Hamlet and Ophelia have no other connection. When Hamlet emasculates their interaction by saying she has nothing between her legs, it demoralizes her whole character. It makes the reader question her purpose in the play. If she is there to appease Hamlet but does not, then her role through the rest of the play is seen as useless. To Hamlet, having â€Å"nothing† as French psychoanalyst LuceShow MoreRelatedThe Life of the Famous English Painter, Sir John Everett Millais885 Words   |  4 Pagesrepresentations of biblical and medieval themes (Britannica 1). The early works of the founding members of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood were signed anonymously with the monogram PRB. In 1850, after their identities and youth were discovered, they were harshly criticized by Charles Dickens for their disregard for the academic ideals of beauty as well as their apparent irreverence in religious themes (Artrepublic 1). One such incident involved the painting Christ in the House of his Parents. This painting depictedRead MoreThe Tragedy Effect Of Death Of A Salesman1888 Words   |  8 Pagesmother’s actions so detestable that he condemns all women; including Ophelia. With curses he states, â€Å"Frailty, thy name is woman† (Shakespeare 1.2.148)! This line implies that women are weak and susceptible. Hamlet allows his mother’s behavior to ruin his perspective of women. Though he never physically harms a female, he does verbally assault his mother and Ophelia. He claimed that he never loved Ophelia and harshly criticized her. Th is is what makes Hamlet different from Biff. Though both love