Preview

How Does Gertrude Treat Ophelia

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
553 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
How Does Gertrude Treat Ophelia
Although the male characters take lead in this Shakespearean play, the roles of Gertrude and Ophelia are both memorable. Neither of the women have many lines. However both roles are crucial although very different. Hamlets judgement on his mother’s behaviour following the death of his father greatly influences his subsequent treatment of Ophelia. He regards his mother’s present marriage as an occasion for bestial lust. This causes him to treat Ophelia with disdain and disgust uttering the famous quote ‘Get thee to a nunnery…..’
Gertrude is the catalyst for much that happens in the play. Claudius has killed his brother because he wanted his crown and seemingly his wife. He is unwilling to surrender either ’My crown, mine own ambition and my
Continue Reading
View Writing Issues

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    Claudius and Other Characters of Hamlet
    • 698 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Claudius and Other Characters of Hamlet

    Now wears his crown” (1.5.46-47). Claudius’s brother was a great warrior that probably ruled with ideas of justice and moral balance but Claudius is a corrupt politician, he rules with manipulation and does not even feel guilt for catalyzing the fall from grace of so many characters. He schemes and manipulates other characters to get what he desires. When Claudius was certain that Hamlet knew of his lie about his brothers death he planned a match between Laertes and Hamlet in which Hamlet was not suppose to come out as the victor. Claudius will stop at nothing to maintain his power if he has he heart to murder his own brother, he will have the heart to murder anyone that blocks him from his goal. It is his own scheming that leads to his death, if power is gained by lies and manipulation more lies and manipulation must take place to maintain it and that life can only be held a secret for so long. The constant deaths, spying and confusion led many to become mad. His lack of guilt can be seen when he openly shows his affection for his wife in front of Hamlet and does it in a very obnoxious way. This affection for his wife is questionable because of his need for power. It is not certain whether or not Claudius actually has sincere feelings towards Gertrude or whether she is just another character playing a part in his lie, something that just came along with what he truly wanted, the crown. However even though his motives for marrying the queen are questionable, if he does not truly love Gertrude he covers it up well, showing once again his good use of manipulation. He openly shows affection and even declares his love in words, “The…

    • 698 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Carolyn Heilbrun Quotes
    • 719 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Carolyn Heilbrun Quotes

    At Ophelia’s funeral, Gertrude, speaking to the departed Ophelia, tells her “I hoped thou shouldst have been my Hamlet’s wife” (Act V, Scene I) being completely dismissive of Ophelia’s suicide. Gertrude’s lack of tact is further illustrated in the way she is, instead of mourning Ophelia’s death, dreaming of what kind of bride she could have been for Hamlet. This also illustrates Gertrude’s selfish nature, for instead of mourning for Ophelia she is considering the “trophy wife” she would have made for Hamlet, therefore improving the royal…

    • 719 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Ophelia's Madness Analysis
    • 167 Words
    • 1 Page

    Ophelia's Madness Analysis

    I was shocked by the madness of Ophelia, and the manner in which Gertrude approaches the situation, both were unexpected. Earlier in the novel, the relationship of Ophelia and her father is revealed, and it pears to be a very weak relationship, based on the oppression of her under her father’s rule. From this relationship that the two share I would never assume that Ophelia would be driven mad by the death of her father. I sympathize with Ophelia since she has endured so many pains, first discovering Hamlet’s madness, then discovering the death of her father. She is entirely alone in her sorrow, and the King and Queen do nothing buy agitate her and pick at her wounds. Also in this scene Gertrude refuses to see Ophelia, and only agrees when…

    • 167 Words
    • 1 Page
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    How Does Gertrude's Change In Hamlet
    • 462 Words
    • 2 Pages

    How Does Gertrude's Change In Hamlet

    Gertrude sits highly on her throne as Queen of Denmark, but however royal she may be, she lacks the qualities of a good mother and loyal wife. She provides little to no care towards Hamlet despite her obvious acknowledgement of his sudden change in his personality and attitude. She quickly remarries two months after her husband's death, to her own brother-in-law, disregarding that her son is furious and grief-stricken. ____ How does Queen Gertrude's shallow personality, poor parenting, and turbulent relationship with Hamlet further drive the intensity of the play?…

    • 462 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Ophelia's Farewell Analysis
    • 582 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Ophelia's Farewell Analysis

    Ophelia was a modern day good girl gone bad. She obeyed her father, Polonius, and brother, Laertes’ wishes to stay away from Prince Hamlet while trying to fight for her love for Hamlet and being herself. Throughout the entire play Ophelia is used as pawn in a game of revenge between Hamlet, Polonius, and King Claudius. Polonius and Laertes forbid Ophelia from seeing Hamlet because they believe that he is only using her for sex, yet Polonius uses her to seek information from Hamlet as though she were his personal spy. Although Hamlet loves Ophelia and genuinely cares for her, he sees the danger he and the royal court pose on her. Hamlet wants to get her away from the corruption while putting on an act for King Claudius to prove that he is really mad, and in that attempt, acts as though Ophelia means nothing to him. He treats her in the same manner he treats his mother and all women for that matter. Hamlet sees all women as ignorant and deceitful. Despite Ophelia’s ability to see through Hamlet’s charade, there is still a sense of pain in the words he speaks to her. “Get thee to a nunnery, go. Farewell...To a nunnery, go, and quickly too. Farewell.” (Act 3.1) This had to have been the largest insult to Ophelia ever spoken, but was not meant in that…

    • 582 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Who Is Responsible for Ophelia's Death?
    • 1982 Words
    • 8 Pages

    Who Is Responsible for Ophelia's Death?

    Gertrude’s overprotective relationship with Hamlet serves as a motive to commit the crime against Ophelia. In the play, after a meeting with the state, Gertrude tells Hamlet to stop acting too dramatic,…

    • 1982 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Ophelia: the Victim of Hamlet's Actions
    • 1173 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Ophelia: the Victim of Hamlet's Actions

    When focusing on Shakespeare’s character Ophelia, it is relevant to consider her characteristics and how they contribute to the play itself. She is a character of great innocence that is seen as being pure and…

    • 1173 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    The Destruction Of Ophelia In William Shakespeare's Hamlet
    • 840 Words
    • 4 Pages

    The Destruction Of Ophelia In William Shakespeare's Hamlet

    Due to Ophelia’s fickle behavior regarding Hamlet, he is unsure of her affection and does not deem her trustworthy. Ophelia is not yet a married woman, meaning she is not admitted to disobey her father, and not able to control her own choices. When her father demands “I would not, in plain terms, from this time forth have you so sander and moment leisure as to give words or talk with the Lord Hamlet.” (I, III, 136-140) Ophelia must heed her father’s commands. When Ophelia is requested to converse with Hamlet by Polonius and Claudius, she must endure. She attempts to return letters that Hamlet wrote for her, this seeming to have a powerful effect on him. Although he has suspicions that their conversation is being eavesdropped on, Hamlet does not restrain himself with his reaction towards Ophelia. Hamlet seems to contradict himself when proclaiming her “Get thee to a nunnery, go.” (III, I, 138). Nunnery, also meaning brothel, shows Hamlet’s indecisive feelings for Ophelia, by using a word that paints her as holy and sinful. As he continues to insult Ophelia, it becomes clear that Hamlet presumes all women to be deceitful, describing that “God has given you one face and you make yourselves another.” (III, I, 145). Although it is not certain whether or not Hamlet truly loves Ophelia, it can be deducted that due to his mother’s actions he cannot be definite in his…

    • 840 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Importance of Gertrude and Ophelia
    • 626 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Importance of Gertrude and Ophelia

    The love a man has for his mother and the love he has for his girlfriend/fiancé/wife are two different kinds of love that always seems to conflict one another. The mother and the female companion usually really like each other or they hate each other. In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Gertrude and Ophelia has a steady relationship with each other. But Gertrude’s relationship Hamlet starts off as unhappy and ends with death. Throughout the play Hamlet is questioning Gertrude’s love for him and his father which cause their once steady relationship to shaken. For Ophelia and Hamlet, both were so in love, but later in the play shows Ophelia worrying about Hamlet and her love for him slowly diminishing. Gertrude and Ophelia have their own important role in the play with how they affect Hamlet’s decisions all through the play.…

    • 626 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Gertrude and Ophelia (Hamlet) are usually seen as weak women, firmly under the influence of the men in their lives. Do you think this characterization of them as passive and dependent is accurate?
    • 546 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Gertrude and Ophelia (Hamlet) are usually seen as weak women, firmly under the influence of the men in their lives. Do you think this characterization of them as passive and dependent is accurate?

    In Hamlet, the women act the small roles portraying their historical status at the time. Although Gertrude is the Queen of Denmark and Ophelia is the prince 's lovers, they have no standing in the society and their voices are never heard. Their actions and fates are greatly influenced by the men 's decisions. All their lives Ophelia and Gertrude are led by the men 's power; they together make a weak image of dependent women at Shakespeare 's time.…

    • 546 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Hamlet Gender Inequality Analysis
    • 494 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Hamlet Gender Inequality Analysis

    Gender inequality in William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, is a key discourse which is explored throughout the character of Ophelia. In Elizabethan England, the period of William Shakespeare, women were brought up in a patriarchal society where they were dominated by the authority of men. Women were socially degraded and taught they were inferior to men. Ophelia, is portrayed as weak, submissive and is manipulated continuously by the male figures in her life. Throughout the play, Ophelia is continuously taken advantage of and used as an object by her father Polonius and her love interest Hamlet. In modern day society, women have become more independent and generally have more freedom in regards to social expectations.…

    • 494 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Gender Roles In Hamlet
    • 1271 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Gender Roles In Hamlet

    She has wealth, but it is not her own. She has power, but only by means of her husband. Gertrude is completely dependent on Claudius for external reasons. She is not only dependent on him for money and power, but for love, affection, and human interaction. In several cases, Claudius uses Gertrude for a personal gain. It is apparent that his marriage to Gertrude is in itself a greedy action. Claudius killed his brother and married his widow, which allowed him to gain the Danish crown. Claudius not only killed Gertrude’s husband, but he also fooled her and wooed her, so he could misappropriate the throne from it’s rightful owner, Hamlet Jr. Claudius also uses Gertrude as a middleman between himself and Hamlet. He pushes Gertrude into uncomfortable situations where she must confront her son about his actions or his intentions to take action. For example in Act III Scene IV, Claudius wills Gertrude into talking with Hamlet and allowing Polonius to listen in on their conversation from behind the arras. Here, Claudius has placed Gertrude in a tippy and undoubtedly uncomfortable position, just so he can gain some insight into Hamlet’s intentions. In this scene, Gertrude is verbally abused by her only son, who then kills Polonius. Therefore, Claudius has emotionally compromised Gertrude for the gain of some knowledge of Hamlet’s love life with Ophelia and his intentions with Claudius, that may or may not be…

    • 1271 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Ophelia's Use Of Symbolism In Hamlet
    • 614 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Ophelia's Use Of Symbolism In Hamlet

    Hamlet utilizes his play and apparent madness to tell his mother and uncle they wouldn’t get away with his father’s murder. Ophelia employs flowers to convey their symbolic, Elizabethan meanings to Gertrude in hopes of telling her that she isn’t a very virtuous person, and that she needs to repent. Hamlet communicates what he feels in the only way his madness can allow, he shows them. In the Elizabethan era, women had little control of their lives, and were expected to behave properly; Ophelia doesn’t let social expectations forbid her from speaking out against apparent injustice, and thus does so in a socially acceptable way. Hamlet and Ophelia covay the message to both men and women: you have a voice, no matter who you…

    • 614 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Ophelia In Hamlet
    • 1399 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Ophelia In Hamlet

    Hamlet by William Shakespeare is a revenge tragedy play that primarily focuses on Hamlet’s quest to avenge his father’s death. The tragedy of Hamlet, while mostly revolving around Hamlet himself, also concerns the character of Ophelia, and Hamlet’s relationship with her throughout the play. Despite of her absence from all but five scenes, Ophelia manages to receive a considerable amount of attention, as her character becomes truly tragic with her realization that she is powerless politically, socially, and psychologically amongst the men in her life, and without them. As a woman with limited options in a patriarchal society, this realization drives her mad, ultimately resulting in her death.…

    • 1399 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Examples Of Misogyny In Hamlet
    • 866 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Examples Of Misogyny In Hamlet

    Many of the things he says about her, or in reference to her could easily be seen as misogynistic. He refers to her actions as if they are typical of all women. Hamlet is impatient with the introduction of the play. Ophelia assures him that it will be brief, to which Hamlet replies, “As woman’s love.” Although Ophelia has done nothing to betray Hamlet in any way and is still very much in love with him, Hamlet assumes that her love won’t last simply because Gertrude’s love for Hamlet’s father did not last after his death. In a soliloquy early into the play, Hamlet mentions what he considers to be his mother’s betrayal to him and his father and utters, “Frailty, thy name is woman!” ‘Frailty is referring to his mother’s ‘moral weakness’ which in Gertrude’s case, could very well be true, but it his reference to all women having moral weaknesses and being distrustful. Similarly, when Hamlet finds out the truth regarding his father’s death from the Ghost, he includes the line, “O most pernicious woman!” in his soliloquy. This is to reiterate that women are evil. It is shown in many cases that Hamlet feels betrayed by his mother and seems to use these feelings against all…

    • 866 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More

Related Topics