Hamlet And Ophelia And Women In Shakespeares Hamlet

Marriage is regarded as a sacred union between two people. In the Shakespearean era, the union consisted of a man and a woman permanently bonded in the eyes of God, solidified by the church. Hamlet adored the connection between his mother and late father. However, following his father’s murder, the lack of sympathy from his mother alters his outlook on the institution of marriage. Consequently, this changes how Hamlet views Ophelia and women in general. There once was love between Hamlet and Ophelia, but the union of Claudius and Gertrude shifts the strength of their relationship. Hamlet can no longer trust women or the endurance of marriage, which were two concepts he once cherished. Instead, he now views the institution of marriage, and†¦show more content†¦Furthermore, her harmful deceit ultimately contributes to the demise of characters like Ophelia: who was also once doted upon by Hamlet. As Amanda Mabillard, writer for Shakespeare Online, states â€Å"[Gertrude ] lies to herself about the consequences of her actions, and she lies to those around her. But she lies to protect. Her [lies] are not cruel and wicked falsehoods†¦Ã¢â‚¬ . Gertrude was not a part of the murder of Hamlet’s father. However, her reaction fractures the remaining sense of normalcy that was left after his father’s untimely death. Gertrude’s lies are the breaking point for Hamlet. She feigns happiness and ignorance in search of bliss, only to completely unravel her own son and his view of women. Both of his role models have essentially died. His father was physically murdered. The mother he once knew as virtuous and kind, he now views as weak and untrustworthy. With her quick marriage, Hamlet becomes entirely isolated. As she is now married to Claudius, Hamlet feels as though his mother has left him to grieve on his own. In Hamlet’s mind, no man can ever live up to his father, and every woman is just like his mother. With the unfaithful Gertrude representing Hamlet’s standard of women, Ophelia tragically loses the love of her life. Ophelia and Hamlet’s relationship coincides with Gertrude and Hamlet’s relationship. At one time all was well, evident when Ophelia says to Polonius, â€Å"He hath, my lord, of late made many tenders of hisShow MoreRelatedHamlet: a Feminist Approach Essay examples1224 Words   |  5 PagesHamlet: A Feminist Approach Sexism: the belief or attitude that one sex is inherently superior to, more competent than, or more valuable than the other (most commonly used for male superiority). This idea that women are weak is not a new one in the modern world. It has been studied for countless years along with the concept of a patriarchal society. A patriarchy is defined as a system of society or government in which men hold the power and women are largely excluded from it. 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