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Gertrude Ophelia's Madness

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Gertrude Ophelia's Madness
Ophelia’s madness meant that she was unable to save herself; she was “incapable of her own distress,” and a “poor wretch.” She does not blame Ophelia, but the mania she was afflicted with. It is the fault of the sliver that broke, her garments, the brook into which she fell. However, we only know about this story through Gertrude, and she claims Ophelia “chanted snatches of old lauds” as she drowned. It is highly improbable that the Queen, or anyone, witnessed the drowning. Shakespeare’s inclusion of this detail indicates that Gertrude is misrepresenting the drowning. Gertrude presents the audience with this glorified, peaceful description of death. Ophelia is likened to mermaid with her “clothes spread wide.” She slowly sinks to the bottom
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