The role of women in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet is a complex issue that has been discussed and debated for centuries. The play centers around the protagonist, Hamlet, whose mother has recently remarried following his father’s death. This event causes a variety of reactions from the other characters within the play, but especially from the female characters. Each woman serves as an example of how to handle grief and loss differently, providing insight into how women were expected to act during this time period.
The Role of Women in Hamlet in William Shakespeare’s play.
The first female character introduced in Hamlet is Gertrude – Hamlet’s mother and queen of Denmark. After her husband’s death, she quickly remarries her brother-in-law Claudius who then becomes king. From the beginning it is clear that Gertrude is more interested in finding companionship than mourning her late husband; this attitude displeases both Polonius (Ophelia’s father) and Hamlet alike who view it as dishonorable behavior towards their former king and husband. Even though there are negative connotations associated with Gertrude’s actions throughout much of the play due to her seemingly superficial marriage choice for political gain rather than true love or respect for her deceased spouse, she ultimately sacrifices herself at Claudius’ hand by drinking poisoned wine meant for Hamlet at Claudius’ command which shows loyalty to both kings amidst chaos .
The second major female character presented in Hamlet is Ophelia – daughter of Polonius and girlfriend/potential lover of Prince Hamlet. Initially we see Ophelia depicted as a docile young woman whose actions are heavily influenced by those around her including Polonius, whom she obeys without question when he tells her not to have any contact with Prince Hamlet after his irrational outbursts towards them both at court (he calls them liars). Eventually however we see Ophelia take on a stronger sense of self as she defies Polonius’ wishes after hearing news concerning possible foul play regarding his untimely death; instead deciding to seek vengeance against whoever might be responsible regardless if it means going against social norms and expectations placed upon women during that time period . Ultimately Ophelia goes mad due to grief resulting from recent events which leads directly up until her demise via drowning in a river near Elsinore Castle; thus reinforcing traditional beliefs suggesting that mental instability was one potential consequence should females choose to go against conventional gender roles within society even if done so out of revenge or justice .
Finally there is also Horatio – best friend/college confidant/consigliere to Prince hamlet who provides unwavering support throughout much of his descent into madness despite being male himself showing strength through emotional vulnerability which could serve as an example alongside those already mentioned above representing different ways in which men can learn from their female counterparts ; demonstrating that strong relationships between either sex need not exist only through competition or aggression but rather empathy , understanding , mutual respect & appreciation stemming from personal experiences shared together regardless if they are happy or sad ones .
All three female characters presented within hamlets storyline demonstrate various forms resilience when faced with extreme adversity yet still maintain an underlying sense being part larger societal tapestry whether its forging close ties with others like ophelias bond family members poloniuss loyal friendship towards hamlets gertrudes allegiance both previous current rulers despite difficult circumstances surrounding each instance ; providing insight into importance maintaining core values no matter how chaotic situation may seem surround you making timelessly relatable both genders today tomorrow’s world come .