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William Shakespeares Hamlet

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Characterization of Gertrude and Ophelia

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...

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