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Hamlet and Ophelia, 2007.
An analysis of Hamlet's love for Ophelia in the play "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare.
764 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how Hamlet loves Ophelia in his own tortured and odd way. The paper illustrates how, as the play continues, it is clear Hamlet loses touch with reality and with it, his love for Ophelia. The paper describes how Ophelia cannot deal with his rejection and rather than go on with her life, she ends it, without fulfillment, without love and with no future. The paper demonstrates how both lovers cared for each other and might have had a life together, but they were both too tragically flawed to ever really become a couple or maintain their love.
From the Paper
"Those surrounding Ophelia believe Hamlet loves her - even that he has gone mad with love for her. Her father, Polonius tells her Hamlet's rash behavior is based on his unrequited love for her. He says, "That [denial of love] hath made him mad" (II. i. 109). Thus, those surrounding Ophelia misinterpret Hamlet's actions, and Ophelia might have as well, although it does seem Hamlet loves her in his own tortured and odd way. He does leave her a note that seems to confirm his feelings for her. It reads, "O dear Ophelia, I am ill at these numbers; I have not art to reckon / my groans: but that I love thee best, O most best, believe it. Adieu" (II. ii. 120-121). Thus, he has confessed his love to her, and no matter how it deteriorates from this point on in the play, he has held love for her in his heart."
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Hamlet and Ophelia, 2002.
An analysis of the similarties in the characters of Hamlet and Ophelia in Shakespeare's play "Hamlet".
1,802 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
This paper examines there the several distinct characteristics of misery and madness that abound in both Hamlet and Ophelia. It explains how their lunacy each stems from similar sources of grief, but the true evolution of their madness is methodically different due to their gender and their status in Elizabethan society.
From the Paper
"Throughout Hamlet, Ophelia appears in a mere five scenes and is only one of two females present in the play and therefore stands not to pose as a prominent member of the play. Ophelia's father, Polonius, whom is the chief advisor to the new King Claudius, and a highly respected man, demands that his daughter tell Hamlet that she can no longer be with him even though she desperately is in love with him."
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Hamlet, Ophelia, and Gertrude Explored, 2004.
Character analysis of the main characters in Shakespeare's "Hamlet".
971 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper studies and identifies the real-life qualities imbued in the characters of Hamlet, Ophelia, and Gertrude, from the play "Hamlet". The paper presents examples of the characters' traits, qualities, and personal experiences that the audience can identify with and that have contributed to the appeal of "Hamlet" through the ages.
From the Paper
"Hamlet's procrastination begins early in the play as soon as the ghost visits him. Hamlet has good intentions as revealed when he says, "Haste me to know't that I with winds as swift . . . May sweep to my revenge" (I.v.29-31). Unfortunately, Hamlet's hesitation renders him unable to kill Claudius. Furthermore, he begins to doubt his father's ghost, which drives him to "test" Claudius with the play, Mousetrap. Even with confirmation that Claudius is guilty, Hamlet still cannot bring himself to kill him, using the fact that killing Claudius in a moment of prayer would send him directly to heaven. Instead, Hamlet says he would rather kill him in a vile condition, "When he is drunk asleep; or in his rage; Or in the incestuous pleasure of his bed" (III.iii 89-90). Hamlet even procrastinates so much that the Ghost returns."
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Hamlet and Ophelia, 1999.
Examines the relationship, nature of their love, his feigned and her genuine madness.
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 1 source, $ 23.95
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Abstract
The relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia is not a true love story. Instead, it seems to be the sort of relationship that everyone has long assumed and that has never developed to the degree others believe it has or perhaps wish it had.
From the Paper
"The relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia is not a true love story. Instead, it seems to be the sort of relationship that everyone has long assumed and that has never developed to the degree others believe it has or perhaps wish it had. Gertrude expresses such a sentiment as she places flowers on Ophelia's grave: "Sweets to the sweet! Farewell./ I hop'd thou shouldst have been my Hamlet's wife;/ I thought thy bride bed to have deck'd, sweet maid,/ And not have strew'd thy grave" (V.1.244-247). When Hamlet is feigning madness and wishes to tweak Laertes, he claims to have loved Ophelia, though his actions previously have not shown much love for her: "I lov'd Ophelia. Forty thousand brothers/ Could not (with all their quantity of love)/ Make up my sum. What wilt thou do for her?" (V.1.280-282)."
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Ophelia in "Hamlet", 2008.
An analysis of the speech and actions of Ophelia in Shakespeare's "Hamlet."
1,183 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
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."
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Shakespeare's "Hamlet", 2005.
This paper discusses that in Shakespeare's "Hamlet", the character Ophelia is the most innocent victim of Hamlet's revenge.
935 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 0 sources, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, in Shakespeare's "Hamlet", Hamlet and Ophelia's relationship is a complex one, forming and developing as results of death, love, obedience and an Oedipus complex. The author points out that there are many similarities between Ophelia and Gertrude; Hamlet's love and sudden dependence on Ophelia may be an attempt to get closer to his mother as a result of the Oedipus complex. The paper concludes that, even in death, Ophelia has a large part in Hamlet's life because Hamlet's death was ultimately caused by Ophelia's death when the graveyard scene, in which Hamlet proclamation, "I loved Ophelia", leads to his fatal duel with Laertes.
From the Paper
""One fair daughter and no more,/The which he loved passing well," Hamlet sings at Polonius, mocking his supposed love for his daughter. Hamlet also calls him "Jephthah, judge of Israel." As told in Judges 11, Jephthah promises God that if he wins in battle he will sacrifice whatever comes out of the doors of his house when he returns. After he wins the battle, his only daughter hears of his victory and comes out to meet him. He keeps his promise to God. Hamlet's implication is that Polonius, like Jephthah, will sacrifice Ophelia for his own advantage."
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Hamlet and Death, 2005.
A look at the theme of death in the experiences of Hamlet, Ophelia, and Laertes in Shakespeare's play, "The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark".
2,011 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the concept of revenge and madness in Shakespeare's play, "The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark", and looks at how these concepts are central to the play's theme of death. The paper explains how each of the main characters in the play, Hamlet, Ophelia and Laertes, respond to death and points out how these reactions and responses add depth to the characters and make them appear more real to the audience.
From the Paper
"Hamlet, Ophelia, and Laertes deal with the death of their fathers in very different ways. When we look at each character and how they choose to deal with death, we often discover insight into the characters themselves. Each character's reaction is also fueled by other aspects in the play that influence their reason and logic. For example, Hamlet's response to his father's death is fueled by his anger and hurt feelings toward Gertrude and Claudius for marrying so soon. Ophelia's response to her father's death is influenced by the fact that Hamlet has been hateful to her and that Hamlet killed Polonius. Laertes' response to Polonius' death is fueled by the fact that Hamlet killed him and is indirectly responsible for Ophelia's suicide."
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Shakespeare's "Hamlet", 2005.
This paper discusses the character of Ophelia from Shakespeare's "Hamlet".
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 1 source, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper focus on three questions about the character of Ophelia from Shakespeare's "Hamlet": How is the character structured? On what basis might readers choose between different readings of a character? Is reading through character the only way to read? The author points out that the character of Ophelia is built in the beginning of the play with both the brother and father warning Ophelia about Hamlet. The paper suggests that, to improve the understanding of "Hamlet", different sections of the play should be read focusing on different characters.
From the Paper
"Who is Ophelia? Why is she important in Hamlet? How does Shakespeare construct her character? Shakespeare began creating the character of Ophelia as she talks to her brother Laertes. He continues to builds the character of Ophelia as he describes how Ophelia believes Hamlet is in love with her. The structure of Ophelia is carefully built around the Polonius and Hamlet until the very end where she commits suicide. The character of Ophelia begins with Ophelia being warned by her brother to not fall in love with Hamlet. "I shall the effect of this good lesson keep, As watchman to my heart..." (Shakespeare 1013). This warning is not heeded by Ophelia as she continues to fall in love with Hamlet. The character of Ophelia is important in the play for several reasons and all of these are based on her relationships with main players including Hamlet, Laertes, and Polonius."
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Hamlet's Oedipus Complex, 2003.
Analyzes the undercurrent of the Oedipus Complex in respect to Hamlet's relationship to his father, his mother and Ophelia in Shakespeare's "Hamlet".
1,275 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper shows how the Oedipus complex theory can be applied to Hamlet, the main character of "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare and the issues that he faces concerning his mother and girlfriend. The paper shows that the intense rage that Hamlet projects onto Queen Gertrude (his mother), Ophelia (his girlfriend) and women in general compiles this version of Oedipus complex triangle. Hamlet finds himself strangely drawn to the act of matricide whether or not he blatantly expresses it, because he partially blames his mother for the circumstances leading up to his father's death, although he has a strange sexual affinity towards her. The paper describes how Hamlet releases his frustration about his father's death indirectly on Ophelia while raising to the surface strong undercurrents of an Oedipal complex with Gertrude as its center.
From the Paper
"According to psychoanalysis, a male child's dual view of his mother as the Madonna and the whore (her relationship with the father) is not abnormal. Men have a preoccupation with virginity as well as an urge to engage in dirty activities with the whore. Unfortunately, Hamlet fails to detangle the complicated web he has mentally and emotionally intertwined them in, and he ends up causing them to incur mental and physical damage. His feelings about Polonius' death have much to do with using Ophelia as a vehicle for him to feel as though he forced the same agony of grief upon his mother that he had to endure when his father died."
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The Portrayal of Women in "Hamlet", 2001.
This paper is an in-depth examination of the character Ophelia, in the play "Hamlet."
1,010 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 0 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper examines Shakespeare's portrayal of the female characters, Gertrude and Ophelia in his play, "Hamlet." The author shows how the portrayal of these women as weak and frail individuals is a theme that Shakespeare carries throughout the entire play. Several scenes are used to demonstrate how the flaws in these women's characters were the catalyst for many of the problems they faced and as a result, they were treated poorly by the men in their lives.
From the Paper
"Because of Ophelia's lack of self-confidence, she becomes a target for abuse from Hamlet. Although it is apparent to the audience that she is the epitome of an honest woman, Hamlet sees her as "a dubious whore," (Act III, Scene II) Due to his lack of trust in females, Hamlet doesn't want to listen to anything Ophelia has to say. Because Ophelia is so dependant on the men in her life and lacks any identity of her own, she is completely torn between making everyone happy. As she states in Act III, Scene II, "I think nothing, my lord," she has been hurt so badly that she doesn't consider her thoughts to be important. When all three men in her life are gone, she feels completely helpless, therefore, when Hamlet says; "frailty, thy name is women" he is proven to be correct."
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The Madness of Ophelia, 2005.
A discussion on the character of Ophelia, from Shakespeare's "Hamlet".
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, $ 35.95
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Abstract
The paper analyzes how the three factors of father, king and lover help to bring about Ophelia's madness through a sever Oedipal complex. The paper further analyzes how the externalized identity of Ophelia, a silent, obedient woman, eventually transforms her into a victim of the murders that ravage her family and love life. The paper discusses how, although she is wise and knowledgeable, she has no individual feminine identity that prevents her eventual suicide during the play. The paper concludes that madness is conjured through a lack of externalized feminine identity, which culminates in suicidal tragedy and madness of the mind.
From the Paper
"In this drama study the madness of Ophelia will be the center of analysis in William Shakespeare's play Hamlet. By understanding Ophelia's love for hamlet, as well as the close relationship she had with her father, the notion of madness is construed from external Freudian Oedipal sources. The lack of motherly affection and the abuse that men compound her within play not only isolates Ophelia, but also gives her little psychic strength to deal with her relationship problems. In essence, after her Father's death and her alienation from Hamlet, Ophelia displays madness by becoming and internalized person unable to cope with the excessive demands of a patriarchal culture. The familial issues that surround Polonius and Ophelia create Oedipal complex problems that revolve around an almost incestuous stranglehold on the woman."
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Hamlet's Women, 2004.
A look at the tragedy of the women in Shakespeare's "Hamlet", focusing on Gertrude and Ophelia.
1,987 words (approx. 7.9 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
A look at the role of the women characters in "Hamlet": Gertrude, Hamlet's mother, and Ophelia, Hamlet's lover. It discusses how the play's plot skirts around them, and finally, their tragic ending in the play. It explains that, in the beginning, these female characters seem flat, yet over the course of the narrative, they take on a critical physical importance because of the feelings men have for them emotionally, and more importantly, physically.
From the Paper
"(As Imagined by an Englishman) "Hamlet" is often thought of as a drama primarily about one man's relationship with a dead father and a living and murderous stepfather. According to the Bedford Introduction to Literature, one of the critical components of any story, drama or novel, is that of "Plot," forming one of the dominant subject headings of this basic guide. The plot of "Hamlet" could be summarized with only two cursory mentions to its main female characters. It might go something along the lines of 'Gertrude marries Claudius. Laertes vows revenge upon Hamlet because of the madness of his sister.' However, two of the most memorable characters in Hamlet remain that of Gertrude and Ophelia, Hamlet's mother, and Hamlet's 'sweetheart,' 'girlfriend,' or 'fiancee,' depending on what character you talk to at what juncture of the play. They are memorable despite their peripheral nature to the bare-bones narrative of "Hamlet" and their relatively flat character structure. Ophelia's mad scene, where she distributes flowers to numerous members of the court with instructions about what they mean is one of the most iconic images of the play, equally as important in its own right, as Hamlet sitting in the graveyard, holding Yorik's skull."
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Ophelia and Portia in Shakespeare's Plays, 2002.
Compare the two characters of Portia in the "Merchant of Venice" and Ophelia of "Hamlet" in William Shakespeare's plays.
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 4 sources, $ 26.95
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Abstract
By understanding how these Portia and Ophelia women are similar, we can see the ideas of Shakespeare setting trends in the way they think and how they behave in the larger scope of feminine characterization. By understanding this, the major emphasis of both characters can give a broader scope of their meaning in the text.
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"Hamlet" in Film, 2007.
An analysis of how the characters of Ophelia and Gertrude differ in different film versions of William Shakespeare's "Hamlet".
1,018 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how different productions of a play such as "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare will have differing interpretations of characters. The paper focuses on the central female characters in "Hamlet," of Ophelia and Gertrude. It then looks at how they are portrayed differently in two film versions of the play - the 1949 version directed by and starring Laurence Olivier and the 1990 version directed by Franco Zeffirelli and starring Mel Gibson.
From the Paper
"The role of Ophelia differs in the two versions as well. In keeping with the play, the Olivier version shows the deterioration of Ophelia as she descends into madness with the death of her father and other events in the play. The Zeffirelli version treats her in a manner similar to Claudius and Gertrude in that she starts at a high level and stays there. In the Zeffirelli version, Ophelia is distracted from the time we first see her so that her madness seems already entrenched and only needs a push to become full-blown. Her madness does not develop in the time of the play but is part of her make-up from the beginning, so just as we immediately see Claudius and Gertrude as guilty, we see immediately see Ophelia as insane."
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Madness in "Hamlet", "Macbeth," and "King Lear", 2005.
Discussion of the recurring theme of madness in three of Shakespeare's tragedies: "Hamlet," "Macbeth," and "King Lear".
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the theme of madness in the major characters of the three tragedies 'Hamlet,' 'Macbeth,' and 'King Lear.' Hamlet and Ophelia are compared and contrasted, then Ophelia is compared to and contrasted against Lady Macbeth. The witches in 'Macbeth' are related to the theme of madness, then madness is explored in Lear and Edgar. Emphasis is given to speech patterns and the allusion to madness. The paper ends with an analysis of the necessity and reason for the madness of these characters and how they contribute to the tragedy as a whole.
From the Paper
"The theme of madness occurs repeatedly throughout the three tragedies Hamlet, Macbeth, and King Lear. Ophelia slips into madness after her father's death while Hamlet puts on an act of madness in Hamlet. Madness takes the form of visions in Macbeth, in both the spells and predictions of the weird sisters and of Lady Macbeth's nightmares. In King Lear, madness is shown through Edgar's mockery and disguise and through the natural descent of the king."
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