CHARACTERISATION OF OPHELIA IN HAMLET? Flashcards
(8 cards)
What is the significance of ophelia’s name?
Her name itself is often associated with the Greek word “ophelos,” meaning help or aid, which could reflect her role as someone who exists to serve the men in her life.
What qoutes can be used to support the assertion that Ophelia suffers a series of patriarchal opressions?
“Your chaste treasure open to his unmastered importunity. Fear it, Ophelia, Fear it.” – Laertes
‘At such a time I’ll loose my daughter to him’
‘Get thee to a nunnery’
‘You are as good as a chorus (commentator) my lord. Hamlet: I could interpret between you and your love, if I could see the puppets dallying’
Which 2 quotes would support the point that Ophelia is a emblem and subversion of fetishized innocence, subservience and repression?
‘I do not know, my lord, what I should think’
‘I shall obey, my lord’
Affection! Pooh, you speak like a green girl
What 2 quotes would support the fact that Ophelia is a psychologically fragmented character whose madness permits her space for truth-tellling and rebellion?
I would give you some violets, but they wither’d all when my father died. They say a’made a good end - [sings.] ‘For bonny sweet Robin is all my joy
Young men will do’t if they come to’t, By Cock they are to blame.
What 2 quotes would support the assertion that Ophelia is used as a counterpoint to Hamlet?
‘You’re chaste treasure opened to his unmastered importunity, fear it Ophelia, fear it’ - Laertes (analysis)
Context-Before leaving for France, Laertes warns Ophelia about Hamlet’s advances, suggesting that his affections are fleeting and that she must protect her virginity.
Analysis-At first Laertes warnings and advice seem to come from a genuine place of worry, however Laertes positioning himself as an authority figure over Ophelia, suggesting he feels her judgment is suspect or compromised in some way. It also highlights Rennisance anxieties around female sexuality and morality. ‘Chaste treasure’ her virginity is framed as a commodity.
‘At such a time, I’ll lose my daughter to him’ (Polonius)
Context- Polonius tells Claudius and Gertrude that he will strategically “release” Ophelia to Hamlet while they spy on them to confirm Hamlet’s madness is love-induced.
Analysis- ‘loose’ dehumanising as she is treated like an animal or pawn to be used for political manipulation. Absence of ophelia highlights disregard for her emotions/consent. Feminist reading- Archetypal tyrant patriarch who views his daughter as extensions of their own power.
‘Get thee to a nunnery’ (Hamlet)
Context- Hamlet viciously turns on Ophelia, alternating between declarations of love and cruel misogyny.
Analysis- double entendre as it can either refer to a convent or brothel- reflective of the Madonna-whore dichotomy. Displaces Oedipal desires/ sexual disgust onto Ophelia. Hamlet’s words reflects social judgments around female sexuality.
