Gertrude does not tell Claudius the truth of what happened between her and Hamlet. Polonius plans to hide in order to eavesdrop on Gertrude’s confrontation with her son, in the hope that doing so will enable him to determine the cause of Hamlet’s bizarre and threatening behavior. Act 5, scene 1 Ophelia’s funeral. Scene 2. What bothers her about him, and how does he respond? How does Claudius appear to feel about Laertes? A court gentleman reports that Ophelia has become pitiably insane. She does not want his love anymore and is letting him know how she feels. William Shakespeare's Hamlet follows the young prince Hamlet home to Denmark to attend his father's funeral. -Hamlet is saying to Gertrude that she is too old to get married and to have sex. She immediately enters the scene, and her first words being, “One woe doth tread upon another’s heel, so fast they follow. He grabs Ophelia’s wrist and stares at her face without speaking for a long time. Queen. What was the Red Death In The Masque of the Red Death? He blames the priest for his role in Ophelia's death. ACT 4 1. 10 2/19/14 Queen Gertrude is the Center of Conflict One of the most important characters in Shakespeare's Hamlet would be the mother of Hamlet himself, Gertrude. And the surest way to begin feeling like you yourself are crazy is to feel like the world has gone crazy around you. In the gravedigger scene Hamlet is calculated to be. Her reaction is such that even the Ghost, a previous critic, observes that ‘amazement on thy mother sits’ (3.4.104) and warns Hamlet not to distress her further. When Hamlet accidentally kills Ophelia’s father, and she becomes mad, Gertrude tries to calm her. These two events are the cause of Hamlet’s distress and disgust in Act 1, and form the basis of the revenge plot.However, Shakespeare deliberately leaves the extent of Gertrude’s historic involvement with Claudius (as both his lover and potential accomplice in murder) unclear. Scene 2. Justify your opinion. What bothers her about him, and how does he respond? How does he plan to solve the problem? Rosencrantz and Guildenstern leave. Even in death, Ophelia is sexy. What is significant about the flowers that Ophelia gives out to each person? We also notice that Ophelia is described as being "mermaid-like" with her "clothes spread wide." 4, Ophelia loses touch with reality. In this manner, why does Gertrude not want to see Ophelia? Here we see a sharp contrast between Gertrude’s genuine sadness & Claudius’ selfish response which endears her to us. Ophelia’s role in Hamlet has been discussed by numerous critics, and many of them have questioned the necessity of Ophelia. The Symbolism of Ophelia’s Character Essay 733 Words | 3 Pages. Does Hermione die in Harry Potter and the cursed child? There with fantastic garlands did she come Of crowflowers, nettles, daisies, and long purples, That liberal shepherds give a grosser name, But Secondly, who describes Ophelia's death? List as many explanations as you can find. Hamlet's age is relevant in deciding how old to play (and cast) Ophelia. Claudius asks Rosencrantz and Guildenstern what they have learned about Hamlet’s malady. When a Gentleman informs the Queen of Ophelia’s current state of madness, Gertrude’s first words are, “I will not speak to her.” She clearly does not want to have to deal with the situation at hand. At Ophelia's funeral she pleads to the others about Hamlet, "For love of God, forbear him!" Summary Scene 1. She's gone insane over her father's death. There are many parallels between Gertrude and Ophelia's character; Ophelia is almost a younger Gertrude. She calls herself "most deject and wretched" (Act III, scene I, line 158). Ophelia’s madness is perhaps overtaking her so much so that she does not even recognize whom she is talking to in this instance–her brother Laertes. describe ophelia’s recent odd behavior. How does Claudius describe his private and public state of affairs? -His father was a perfect father, Claudius is a drunk and a fat guy. This comment is as much indicative of Hamlet’s agonized state of mind as of anything else, but to a great extent Gertrude does seem morally frail. Because Polonius was such a vital figure in her life, she is likely bereaved beyond help and thus does not recognize her brother. Introduction to Ophelia in Hamlet Of all the pivotal characters in Hamlet, Ophelia is the most static and one-dimensional.She has the potential to become a tragic heroine-- to overcome the adversities inflicted upon her -- but she instead crumbles into insanity, becoming merely tragic.It appears that Ophelia herself is not as important as her representation of the dual nature of women in the play. by introducing her maternal kindness toward Ophelia. What is the meaning of this line from because I could not stop for death because I could not stop for death he kindly stopped for me? She only says that Hamlet killed Polonius, not telling him of how Hamlet feels or how she will try to lean away from him. Why does the ghost return? Gertrude was likely doing it to upset Claudius because she had seen “the truth.” Once she drinks it, she knows. He blames the priest for his role in Ophelia's death. 19. Asked By: Sharilyn Tovstoles | Last Updated: 24th June, 2020, As the previous answerer already mentioned, in. 17. over these characters, and analyse Gertrude’s and Ophelia’s characteristic features. I pray you pardon me” (5.2.265-268). The idea of anything being out of the norm completely disrupts her state of mind. Gertrude’s suffering at these revelations is genuine; her repeated requests for ‘sweet Hamlet’ (3.4.88) to ‘speak to me no more’ (3.4.86) belie the shame that she now feels. Why does Laertes curse the priest at Ophelia's funeral? The image of Ophelia singing while she drowns suggests that Ophelia was comfortable and content in that state, and perhaps she even felt relief that death was imminent. He is upset that his sister is not receiving a full and proper Christian burial. Whitney 1 Gregory Whitney Mrs. Kittredge H Eng. The marriage of Claudius and Gertrude survives many challenges: Young Fortinbras’ threat of invasion, Hamlet’s pretend madness, Polonius’ murder, Laertes’ castle-storming rebellion, and his sister Ophelia’s mental breakdown and drowning.. He knows that the priest is the same one who presided over Polonius's burial. How Does Ophelia Die in Hamlet. When all are eager to assign Ophelia’s rejection as the source of Hamlet’s madness, Gertrude hopes that Ophelia’s presence may correct his state of mind. 5, Ophelia comes into the scene with Gertrude and Claudius. She is kind of following his advice, though she does keep talking to him. Effects on the play Ophelia's spurned love may have been one of … There are many parallels between Gertrude and Ophelia's character; Ophelia is almost a younger Gertrude. How does Claudius appear to feel about Laertes? But, if you really want to argue that Gertrude's a big old cheater, be sure to check out the ghost's emphasis on the marriage "vow" he made to Gertrude (1.5.56): he says that there was a "falling-off" from him to Claudius, which sure seems to imply that she was cheating on Old Hamlet while he was alive—and just maybe even plotting with Claudius. Laertes also proposes to poison his sword, so that even a scratch from it will kill Hamlet. Queen Gertrude's Account of the Death of Ophelia From Shakespeare's Hamlet: A New Commentary by Wilbraham Fitzjohn Trench. The two reply that they have not been able to find its cause. Also, Gertrude reports Ophelia’s death in one of the most lovely, poignant, poetic speeches in all of Shakespeare. What bothers him the most? Analysis #1 Gertrude is a character in the Shakespearian play Hamlet. She does love Hamlet with her pure heart, but she is also too submissive to her dad Polonius and brother Laertes. We also notice that Ophelia is described as being "mermaid-like" with her "clothes spread wide." Hamlet’s most famous comment about Gertrude is his furious condemnation of women in general: “Frailty, thy name is woman!” (I.ii.146). This too is a decision for the director. He knows that the priest is the same one who presided over Polonius's burial. How does Gertrude’s reaction advance the plot of the play? What's the difference between Koolaburra by UGG and UGG? What does Hamlet know about R and G and his trip to England? How does Donne belittle death in his poem Death be not proud? Summary: Act III, scene iv. As they claim Hamlet is dangerous, that Hamlet’s “will is not his own” and that she should “fear” him, she does not try to oppose him, or justify Hamlet’s “affections” instead she tells Laertes that he “shall keep the key” of her memory. Your sister’s drowned, Laertes.” Name Subject Instructor Date The Symbolism of Ophelia’s Character The name Ophelia has been most commonly associated with William Shakespeare's play, Hamlet, where she is referred to as the title character's mad lover. London: John Murray. Stratford School Days: What Did Shakespeare Read? Gertrude then agrees to speak with Ophelia. (2.2), Soliloquy In your opinion, why has Ophelia's madness been manifested in rowdy drinking songs? While she is undoubtedly a lesser character compared to Gertrude, Claudius, or Hamlet, her eventual madness and demise provides an interesting discussion for Shakespeare’s critics. Life in Stratford (structures and guilds), Life in Stratford (trades, laws, furniture, hygiene). Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Summary: Act III, scene iv. Apparently spurned by Hamlet, she feels unhappy about the loss of his love. Gertrude’s first line in the play is directed towards Hamlet. Shakespeare's Presentation of Ophelia As one of only two women in the play, it is perhaps surprising that Ophelia's character is presented as being so very unsubstantial and passive. Gertrude also suggests that Ophelia's drowning was natural when she describes Ophelia as being like a "native" creature in the water. Gertrude seems deeply distressed and repeats the words “drowned, drowned” sadly. An entourage consisting of the king and queen, Polonius and Ophelia, and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern enters to begin the Act. What is Claudius's theory about why Ophelia is acting so oddly? This is done in front of Claudius and Gertrude and everything she has gone through along with the pain of her love life has added to the intensity and contributes to why she does this now. Unusually, Ophelia is described by Queen Gertrude as singing all the while she was in the water. Why does Laertes curse the priest at Ophelia's funeral? Gertrude and Ophelia. In particular, Ophelia fails to express any points of view and her only clear emotions are fear (after Hamlet's reported visit to her) and regret (at Hamlet's rejection of her). Answered by jill d #170087 on 10/7/2013 10:13 AM Scene 5. by reaching a height of conflict as Gertrude decides to punish Ophelia. Even in death, Ophelia is sexy. It's not fully clear, however, whether she's heartbroken for the reason Hamlet thinks she should be. Hamlet's Antic Disposition: Is Hamlet's Madness Real? How is death described in because I could not stop for death? by suggesting that Ophelia’s madness is a sign of greater troubles He thinks that the priest has been paid off by Hamlet to bury Ophelia in unsanctified ground. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Gertrude’s first line in the play is directed towards Hamlet. Polonius plans to hide in order to eavesdrop on Gertrude’s confrontation with her son, in the hope that doing so will enable him to determine the cause of Hamlet’s bizarre and threatening behavior. Hamlet lectures Gertrude by comparing what two men? An entourage consisting of the king and queen, Polonius and Ophelia, and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern enters to begin the Act. How does he express it? Copyright 2020 FindAnyAnswer All rights reserved. What points does he make Claudius and Gertrude? She is singing about love and death and is on the verge of suicide. Finally, Ophelia's brother gets back from France is himself wild with passion for his dead father. The rejection of Ophelia by the prince, plus the loss of her father at Hamlet’s hands, brings about madness in Ophelia, and later indirectly her death. During the burial (Act 5 Scene 1), Prince Hamlet comes across a gravedigger who stimulates his sentiments towards death with a love song. The king concocts a backup plan as well, proposing that if Hamlet succeeds in the duel, Claudius will offer him a poisoned cup of, When Laertes' is cut by his own sword, again he speaks for Hamlet, "Why, as a, Gertrude says of her that she had hoped Ophelia would marry Hamlet. Back in the court of Denmark, we see Gertrude speaking with a gentleman who explains that Ophelia has gone mad. Introduction to Ophelia in Hamlet Of all the pivotal characters in Hamlet, Ophelia is the most static and one-dimensional.She has the potential to become a tragic heroine-- to overcome the adversities inflicted upon her -- but she instead crumbles into insanity, becoming merely tragic.It appears that Ophelia herself is not as important as her representation of the dual nature of women in the play. Summary. What is the King's original plan for killing Hamlet. The queen reluctantly admits Ophelia, who proceeds to sing a number of simple and haunting songs, some of them quite bawdy. by resolving readers’ concerns about Ophelia’s madness. Second, Ophelia is controlled completely by Polonius. But their relationship cannot escape a secret murder that hides in the past. Gertrude's Description of Ophelia's Death. He does not look to see if he is going to run into the walls are the door; he just keeps staring at Ophelia as he leave the room. She is rambling nonsensically about her father and insisting on seeing Gertrude. Ophelia’s flowers, then, symbolize her many-faceted personality and desires, which have been stripped, squashed, and corrupted by society’s expectations. Her language is very gentle, as she addresses Hamlet as “[g]ood” and uses the word “let” instead of directly telling Hamlet to “look like a friend on Denmark” all of which serves to create a gentle, motherly feel to her character. There is a Willow growes aslant a Brooke, That shewes his hore leaues in the glassie streame: There with fantasticke Garlands did she come, Of Crow-flowers, Nettles, Daysies, and long Purples, That liberall Shepheards giue a grosser name; 25. Gertrude’s genuine grief … When Ophelia's father, Polonius, is killed by Hamlet in Act 3, sc. So, women: natural, sexy … and dead. Get free homework help on William Shakespeare's Hamlet: play summary, scene summary and analysis and original text, quotes, essays, character analysis, and filmography courtesy of CliffsNotes. What conclusion does Horatio appear to draw? How does Claudius describe his private and public state of affairs? They do mention, however, that Hamlet was very enthusiastic about the players’ performance that night, which prompts Claudius to agree to attend the play. Gertrude is grieved, exclaiming 'O Hamlet, thou hast cleft my heart in twain' (3.4.177). The two reply that they have not been able to find its cause. 26. Also, Gertrude reports Ophelia’s death in one of the most lovely, poignant, poetic speeches in all of Shakespeare. Apparently spurned by Hamlet, she feels unhappy about the loss of his love. I do not believe Gertrude killed Ophelia. She is presented “almost entirely as a victim” (Boklund 123).Gertrude is intruded upon in her relationship with Claudius – by Hamlet, by Laertes and by Claudius. Click to see full answer Beside this, what does Ophelia's death symbolize in the play? Queen Gertrude played a terrible and devious part, which left many wondering the solidity of her honor and dignity. The approach Gertrude has to telling Laertes the news of Ophelia’s death is a big indicator of who she is as a person. 18. She calls herself "most deject and wretched" (Act III, scene I, line 158). What errand does he assign to Voltemand and Cornelius? So, women: natural, sexy … and dead. When all are eager to assign Ophelia’s rejection as the source of Hamlet’s madness, Gertrude hopes that Ophelia’s presence may correct his state of mind. Gertrude’s exact words are, “The Queen carouses to thy fortune, Hamlet” and then after Claudius commands her not to drink, she says, “I will, my lord. 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