Misogyny In Hamlet And Ophelia

Shakespeare further portrays men to be the instigators of betrayal, as Hamlet forgets that he ever loved Ophelia. Through, being overcome with intense hatred and anger at his mother, Hamlet denies ever having loved Ophelia, and orders her “to a nunnery”. It is Hamlet who instigates such betrayal, as he previously says “My fair Ophelia- Nymph” through “Nymph” Hamlet is describing Ophelia as a beautiful maid, thus highlighting his love for her. Yet, his attitude thereafter is considerably callous, as he continually questions Ophelia on her “honesty”. The continual questioning reflects that of a grueling and in part contributes to Ophelia’s later madness.

Othello is tricked into believing that desdemona has been unfaithful and in the end he kills her. The men in Othello mistrust the women and always quick to associate them with being deceptive and unfaithful. Even in the beginning of the play there are hints of mistrust in women. For an example, when Brabantio discovers that Desdemona married Othello he says, “Fathers, never trust your daughters just because they act obedient and innocent” (1.1.15-17). Brabantio implies that women put on an act and pretend to be trustworthy.

Hamlet has come to see his mother, Queen Gertrude, and ends up stabbing Lord Polonius, which ultimately leads to his death. Lord Polonius’ final words include “O, I am slain!” Even though this provides a slight amount of comic relief to the reader, it has a reverse effect on Ophelia’s mental state. Her father’s death seems to be the potent punch in this fight because she officially goes mad after this final event. This is apparent in Scene IV Act I, when Laertes has come back to visit his sister and check on her well being. He is disappointed to see that Ophelia is displaying irrational behavior when she begins to sing “They bore him barefac’d on the bier; Hey non nonny, nonny, hey nonny; And on his grave rains many a tear.” She is so mentally ill that she must be locked in a padded room during the day.

His hatred is shown clearly in the interactions between the two people. For example, Hamlet says as he watches his mother with Claudius, “Let me not think on’t; frailty, thy name is woman!” (I.ii 146) Instead of degrading Gertrude only, he makes a statement which implies that all women are flawed. Ophelia, who is another female character from Hamlet, is Hamlet’s lover. When Hamlet is feigning madness, he speaks in a very dismissive attitude toward Ophelia. "I have heard of your paintings too, well enough.

In Othello, Shakespeare uses manipulation to show how it has the power to change your perspective of the people you trust the most. Manipulation can ruin your perspective of someone, even who you are closest to. In the play, Iago feeds Othello lies about his wife Desdemona. Iago’s false words enraged Othello and Othello begins to think poorly of his innocent wife. Othello angrily turns to Iago and yells “ O, devil, devil!” (IIII.i.273) in frustration with his loyal bride.

Gertrude soon begins to realize all the bad thing that she has done. In response to Hamlet she says “O Hamlet, speak no more! Thou turn’st mine eyes into my very soul, And there I see such black and grainèd spots As will not leave their tinct.” (3.4.99-102). The queen recognizes that her soul is full of sin and she didn’t realize that it was effect that it was having on her son. Throughout this scene Gertrude begins to act like a mother.

Ophelia and Hamlet were in love which in turn made it burdensome for her to forgive him for killing her father. Similarly to Hamlet, Ophelia went “mad” when her father was killed. Specifically, Gertrude said, “Her clothes spread wide, And, mermaid-like awhile they bore her up, Which time she chanted snatches of old lauds, As one incapable of her own distress Or like a creature native and endued Unto that element” (Hamlet 4.7.172-175). Ophelia had to be bored up because she couldn’t handle the distress that she was feeling. Ophelia’s madness was easily seen with her actions and appearance.

His pent up frustration against his mother results in an outburst against Ophelia whereby Hamlet verbally assaults her- “go thee to a nunnery.” Ophelia is also guided by her Id since she desires Hamlet and upon being abused by the latter, she loses her sanity and her will to live, showing the reign of Thanatos, thus, prompting her suicide. Her father, representing her superego, attempts to control her behavior along the lines of morality, but the consequence is rather disastrous as her Id

Gertrude is portrayed as a villain in Hamlet’s eyes while Ophelia, a mere bystander, often faces the backlash of Hamlet’s judgement of Gertrude. The dark light Hamlet shines on Gertrude is reflected onto Ophelia. This brings enough darkness into her life to eventually diminish what little light was left inside of her. By analyzing Hamlet’s opinions about Gertrude’s hasty marriage, betrayal of the late King Hamlet, and sexual relationship with Claudius it becomes evident that these opinions develop into Hamlet’s limited understanding of women and the ultimate cause of Ophelia’s

This simple confrontation between mother and son along with the death of Polonius makes this scene detrimental in not only the play but also the character development. The line from Gertrude shows the “black and grainèd spots” within her as sins that will forever be a part of her. Once Laertes finds out about his father 's death and improper beareal he grows angry with Hamlet and wishes to kill him. The death of Laertes’ father was not the only thing he blamed Hamlet for but also the death Ophelia his sister. While Hamlet is on his way to England he finds a letter that is to be given to the king of England with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern that says to have Hamlet executed.