Hamlet's Attitude Towards Women

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that many critics have commented on Hamlet's seemingly strange and often overtly aggressive attitude towards characters like Ophelia. However, the writer maintains that understanding Hamlet's view of women requires a thorough understanding of the central themes of the play and cannot be seen in isolation from the larger issues that drive his actions. In essence, Hamlet's view of women is driven by the father's murder that is linked to his mother's untimely marriage to his Uncle. The writer discusses that the female characters in the play are, to a large extent, the driving force and the impetus behind the tragedy of the main character. The writer concludes that what should also not be forgotten is the underlying philosophical aspect and the view that the world is without meaning, which also influences Hamlet's view of women.

Outline:
Introduction
Gertrude and Ophelia
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The play revolves around Hamlet's obsession with the murder of his father, and his desire and need for revenge. From Hamlet's perspective, Claudius has not only killed his father, the King, but has also usurped his throne and married his mother. The core of Hamlet's view of women is based on the view that his mother was somehow complicit in the murder or at least sexually willing to marry Claudius. This appalls and horrifies Hamlet at the deepest psychological and existential level and result in his " madness" and his behavior towards characters like Ophelia."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bradley A. C. Shakespearean Tragedy. London: Macmillan, 1937.
• Bradley, A. C. Shakespearean Tragedy Lectures on Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth. 2nd ed. London: Macmillan, 1905.
• Johnston I. Essays and Arguments, Section Three. March 5, 2008. <http://www.mala.bc.ca/~johnstoi/arguments/argument3.htm>
• Walker, Roy. The Time Is out of Joint: A Study of Hamlet. London: Andrew Dakers, 1948. Questia. 8 Mar. 2008 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=12302185>.

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