Paper Topic:

[HAMLET] The Feminist Critique

p 4

Gertrude and Ophelia in Hamlet Gertrude and Ophelia in Hamlet

Gertrude and Ophelia in Hamlet

Shakespeare 's characterization of Gertrude and Ophelia in Hamlet is paradoxical as it challenges as well as complements the contemporary social traditions and norms . Gertrude is the best example of this paradox that is manifested through her extraordinary supremacy over all the major characters of Hamlet , her influence in the court matters and state affairs and her blind obedience to Claudius . Ophelia is also active in her domestic domain but her interest are

restricted to amorous and matrimonial maters only and they are further directed by his father Polonius and brother Laertes . She is an epitome of traditional feminist expressions of the age that require chastity , compliance and acceptance of male dominancy from women

Gertrude influence is wide ranging as it encompasses the domestic as well as the state affairs . Simultaneously she manifests the behaviour that is in consonance with the contemporary traditional view . She has the ability to captivate , fend off , or manipulate all important male characters for her own interests . Act 2 , scene 2 , clearly manifests how Gertrude behaves authoritatively with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and with Polonius . This scene further depicts her interaction with Claudius and influence she possesses over Claudius . But she further exhibit the behaviour hat is an embodiment of Elizabethan socio-cultural milieu and its values . She is subservient to Claudius when she agrees to Claudius plan to trap Hamlet , I shall obey you (3 .1 .37 . Again in the closet scene , she is in compliance to Hamlet 's s What should I do she asks (3 .4 .181

Furthermore , despite Gertrude 's conformist female acquiescent behaviour her excessive sexuality and lust makes him a non-traditional woman . This portrayal of Gertrude clearly challenges the social and ethical norm of Elizabethan society . Her sexuality is intimidating for both Hamlets father and son , who considers it brutal , extreme , tainted

Nay , but to live

In the rank sweat of an enseamed bed

Stewed in corruption , honeying and making love

Over the nasty sty (3 .4 .92-95

Again it is said

So lust , though to a radient angel linked

Will sate itself in a celestial bed

And prey on garbage (1 .5 .55-57

These lines are not in conformity with the woman image of contemporary society where woman 's chastity was the first condition for her social recognition

Gabrielle Dane writes "Motherless and completely circumscribed by the men around her , Ophelia has been shaped to conform to external demands to reflect others ' desires (406 . Contrary to this psychologically realistic criticism , this characterization of Ophelia is influenced by the cultural tradition of the male-dominant Elizabethan society

Ophelia remains passive in the domestic and emotional domain . Ophelia has no identity of her own and all her domestic and amorous matters are directed by her father . Polonius endeavours to fashion the life and attitude of Ophelia according to his own wishes . He considers his desires as her desires and try ti tailor her approach by various means...

3 pages

33.6 KB

Free sing-up