Ophelia in "Hamlet"

Analytical Essay # 102817

Drama and Theater > English
English > Analysis
Shakespeare > Hamlet

Ophelia in "Hamlet"

An analysis of the speech and actions of Ophelia in Shakespeare's "Hamlet."

1,183 words () | 3 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper portrays how Ophelia, through her father's death, becomes shrewd, sharp-witted and motivated by her own ideals, rather than those of others. The paper shows how Ophelia could not have lost her sanity, since her thoughts were so well-organized and so cunningly hurtful. The paper concludes that if there ever were a tragedy in Hamlet, it would be the demise of Ophelia.

From the Paper:

""I perchance hereafter," Hamlet says, Horatio listening intently, "Shall think meet to put an antic disposition on" (1630). Hamlet continues to warn Horatio not to inform any person of his intended scheme. There are several ways that the director can play this, and the choices are crucial.
"Eventually, though, Hamlet's scheme does fall through. He ends up killing Polonius, failing to kill the King, and fleeing the country. Hamlet's now ex-lover, who also happens to be Polonius's daughter, is very distraught. But it must be made very clear that she retains an element of sanity. As Polonius himself said, "Though this be madness, there be method in't" (1640). Ophelia, through her father's death, Ophelia becomes shrewd, sharp-witted, and most importantly, she becomes motivated by her own ideals, rather than those of others."

Sample of Sources Used:

Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. Ed. X. J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia. 9th ed. New York, NY: Longman, 2005. 1603-719.
Deaderick, John. Lecture Notes. 18 March 2008.
Eriksson, Katarina. "Ophelia's Flowers and Their Symbolic Meaning." Hunington Botanical, 2008. www.huningtonbotanical.com.