How Does Shakespeare Present Ophelia In Act 1
Act 1 Scene 3 Summary
Laertes meets Ophelia to say his farewells before returning to France. He warns her to beware of Hamlet’s trifling with her, and urges her to remain chaste. Ophelia agrees to heed his advice, while urging him to obey it as well. Polonius enters and counsels Laertes, who departs. Polonius also warns Ophelia of Hamlet’s amorous intentions, and finally instructs her to avoid him altogether. She assents.
For he himself is subject to his birth
He may not, as unvalued persons do,
Carve for himself, for on his choice depends
The safety and health of this whole state
And therefore must his choice be circumscribed
Unto the voice and yielding of that body
Whereof he is the head
(1.3.17-24)
Act 1 Scene 3 Analysis
This scene presents tender, if somewhat humorous, dialogue between sister and brother, father and son, and father and daughter. Buried in the conversation, however, is the undercurrent of honesty vs. deceit, love vs. betrayal, reality vs. appearances, all themes …show more content…
A council consisting of members of the all-powerful nobility chose a king. This choice had to be approved by representatives of the common people from the provinces throughout Denmark. The real power was the Council and kinds were only entrusted with the management of the state and the Royal Household. In fact, the King was actually crowned by the Councilors who all touched the crown as they said, “Your majesty, accept from us the Crown of this State…” [FN2] Laertes’ comments not only speak of a new political system, but also indicate that Hamlet’s uncle, Claudius [FN3] must have had the qualification that the Council want in order to win the election. Claudius first action of sending Cornelius and Voltemand to Norway clearly indicates some proficiency at foreign affairs, while his preparations for war show organizational skills and
Laertes meets Ophelia to say his farewells before returning to France. He warns her to beware of Hamlet’s trifling with her, and urges her to remain chaste. Ophelia agrees to heed his advice, while urging him to obey it as well. Polonius enters and counsels Laertes, who departs. Polonius also warns Ophelia of Hamlet’s amorous intentions, and finally instructs her to avoid him altogether. She assents.
For he himself is subject to his birth
He may not, as unvalued persons do,
Carve for himself, for on his choice depends
The safety and health of this whole state
And therefore must his choice be circumscribed
Unto the voice and yielding of that body
Whereof he is the head
(1.3.17-24)
Act 1 Scene 3 Analysis
This scene presents tender, if somewhat humorous, dialogue between sister and brother, father and son, and father and daughter. Buried in the conversation, however, is the undercurrent of honesty vs. deceit, love vs. betrayal, reality vs. appearances, all themes …show more content…
A council consisting of members of the all-powerful nobility chose a king. This choice had to be approved by representatives of the common people from the provinces throughout Denmark. The real power was the Council and kinds were only entrusted with the management of the state and the Royal Household. In fact, the King was actually crowned by the Councilors who all touched the crown as they said, “Your majesty, accept from us the Crown of this State…” [FN2] Laertes’ comments not only speak of a new political system, but also indicate that Hamlet’s uncle, Claudius [FN3] must have had the qualification that the Council want in order to win the election. Claudius first action of sending Cornelius and Voltemand to Norway clearly indicates some proficiency at foreign affairs, while his preparations for war show organizational skills and