Hamlet misogyny

Betrayed and Bitter Stemming from the Greek word misogynia (anti-women), misogyny is an unreasonable fear or hatred of women. This form of sexism is not limited to modern civilizations, but occurs at all levels of human organization and has been a common theme throughout history. William Shakespeare’s Hamlet serves as an example of misogyny during the Renaissance. Frustrated and confused by women, Hamlet adapts to misogynistic views, as he believes all women are treacherous, heartless and untrustworthy. Although he claims to love Ophelia, his feelings of betrayal influence him to say or do things he does not truly believe. In this case, Hamlet does not love Ophelia or his mother, but instead is deceived by his feelings of betrayal. Hamlet’s words and actions prove his negative view and hatred towards all women, which originates from the betrayals of Gertrude and Ophelia. The betrayals of the two women he values most in his life cause Hamlet to develop misogynistic views towards all females. While Hamlet is still mourning the death of his father, Gertrude, his mother, proceeds to marry Claudius, Hamlet’s uncle, which leaves Hamlet feeling abandoned by his mother. In Hamlet’s mind, his mother is an “incestuous, adulterous beast” (1.5.42). Although Gertrude means no harm, her impulsive decision to wed Claudius results in a loss of respect from Hamlet and therefore initiates his sexist view on women. Ophelia also plays a key role in altering Hamlet’s view of women as she proves to be deceitful. Hamlet wrote intimate letters to Ophelia professing his love for her. In his letter, he tells Ophelia, “never doubt I love,” however, Ophelia betrayed Hamlet by giving these letters to her father (2.2.118). Ophelia’s dishonesty drastically affects the way he treats her from then on. Although he confesses he loves Ophelia, he quickly realizes that she is unfaithful, just like his mother. Hamlet begins to lose faith in “Ophelia because of her appearance…of dishonesty and

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