20th century and feminist interpretations Flashcards
Bradley’s view on Hamlet’s suffering
Hamlet suffered from a psychological disorder with Gertrude rooted at the centre of it.
what does Gertrude’s “incestuous wedlock” lead to?
Hamlet’s view of women is poisoned by his mothers actions, leading to his mistreatment of Ophelia.
Central ideas of feminist criticism
Literature reflects the negative stereotyping of women.
Gender roles are culturally constructed.
Texts often reflect & reinforce patriarchal authority.
Lisa Jardine 1996 in response to Freudian critics
Jardine questioned why Freudian critics like T.S Elliot and Freud blame such a minor female character, Gertrude, for Hamlets sin and naming him a “blameless hero”.
Jardine’s view on society
the powerful blame the “disadvantages of genders, races and sexual preferances” for their own lack of power.
who labelled Hamlet as “one of the most fiercely misogynistic plays with Gertrude at the target of it’s hatred”?
Sonia Massai (2018)
Massai (2018) on Gertrudes compassion
she argued that, if one looks closer, Gertrude “has a lot of compassion for Ophelia”
What percentage of the lines do Ophelia and Gertrude speak in the play?
4% of the lines meaning their characters cannot be fully created leaving them underdeveloped.
what does David Leverenz (1978) say regarding Ophelia?
Ophelia is used for gain by most characters in the play
How is Ophelia’s decent into madness inevitable?
because of the extent she is exploited in the play
Carol Rutter (2018) on Ophelia
“Ophelia is bullied and betrayed by everyone in the play”
Carol Campden (1964) on Ophelia and Hamlet
“Hamlet’s pretended madness is contrasted with the reality of Ophelia’s”.
this is due to gender roles suggesting men are mentally stronger and can survive through mental issues that women can’t.
Charney (1977) on Ophelia’s madness
“her madness enables her to asert her being; she is no longer enforced to keep silent and play the dutiful daughter”
