A Study of Shakespeare’s Ophelia

Type :

Presentation

Pages :

4 pages

Format :

.doc

Published date :

02/09/2008

Category :

Philosophy & literature

Sub category :

Literature

Oboulo.com selection criteria

$ 6.95 Add to cart

Summary :

Introduction
Ophelia: Defined by what she has lost
Hamlet's discussion on Ophelia with her father
The sin between Hamlet and Ophelia
The speech of Ophelia's
Injuries to Ophelia's mental state
Conclusion

Abstract

Throughout theatre and drama history, we read about and study the great men that have dominated stages and plots. We analyze all of their speeches, actions, and intentions, but can the same be said of women? While women are studied in dramatic context, it is certainly not with the same intensity of men. So, what role does this suggest women play in drama? Women are not usually found in the foreground, but rather they are hidden in the shadows of male characters. Their dramatic functions, especially in early post-Classical theatre, are often to drive the plot or highlight the actions of the men in the drama. While it is true that men were in deed acting in the roles of women, the parts themselves were still representations of actual women. However, it can be said that sometimes in these women and in their small actions and roles are hidden clues to the unlock personalities in the play and critical plot details as well. In other words, women, though often overlooked-most likely as being speaking props-are actually the thread that sews the entire play together.
As an example of this, I turn to ophelia in William shakespeare's Hamlet. ophelia reveals the sexual nature of Hamlet and also his true priorities. Their interactions demonstrate that Hamlet wants to be involved in everything and be the cause of all action, but he is not as dedicated as he needs to be to actually complete his goals.