Sunday 29 September 2013

How is Ophelia obedient in Hamlet?

In William Shakespeare's tragedy Hamlet, Ophelia is traditionally characterized as extremely obedient, a trait typically attributed to the direct cause of her death. There are several scenes when Ophelia exhibits obedience: 



  • Obedience of her brother and father's wishes: Her father and brother warn her to stay away from Hamlet, who they believe could mistreat her due to their difference in class status. Despite her love for Hamlet, she acquiesces. 

  • Obedience of her father and...

In William Shakespeare's tragedy Hamlet, Ophelia is traditionally characterized as extremely obedient, a trait typically attributed to the direct cause of her death. There are several scenes when Ophelia exhibits obedience: 



  • Obedience of her brother and father's wishes: Her father and brother warn her to stay away from Hamlet, who they believe could mistreat her due to their difference in class status. Despite her love for Hamlet, she acquiesces. 


  • Obedience of her father and Claudius' wishes: Polonius and Claudius use Ophelia to spy on Hamlet, directing her to stage an interaction so that they can secretly watch. She quietly submits to this amoral request. 


  • Obedience of Hamlet's demands: Hamlet's treatment of Ophelia constantly oscillates between kind and cruel, but she still allows him to use her whenever he makes a request of her. 

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