Custom Essays: Hamlet as an Accessory to Ophelias Suicide

Hamlet as an Accessory to Ophelias Suicide William Shakespeares character of Ophelia in Hamlet, suffers greatly, from the time she learns of her father Polonius death, until her own mysterious death. In Hamlet, Gertrude, Horatio and Claudius refer to her state, and intermit that she is crazy11. Though there is some truth to their claim, Shakespeare created Ophelia as an overly- dramatic character, who is somewhat exaggerating her emotions to give an impression of madness. Although their impression of Ophelia can be supported, evidence is not shown as much in her words, as it is shown in her actions. Ophelias songs seem like riddles and nonsense22, yet they are similar to the patterns of speech by Hamlet, revealing truths and true emotions, and at multiplication sarcasm. However, Ophelias whimsical, and child-like behavior is quite different than the prim, reserved Ophelia at the beginning of the play. Still, this behavior is not consistent with the sad words in her grief-laden so ngs, nor is it consistent with a adult female in grief rather Ophelias physical behavior is the strongest evidence that Ophelia may exhibit signs of madness. Hamlets act to convince his insanity to all that knew him influenced Ophelia to perform following Hamlets direct with his feigned madness, eventually leading to the girls suicide, thus implicating Hamlet in her death. In act four, scene five Gertrude and Horatio discuss Ophelias worsening condition directly former to her entrance. They attribute the young girls decline to her concern for her recently dead father. Ophelia displays signs of being overly sensitive and volatile, which concerns Horatio Spurns enviously at straws, speaks things in doubt / That carry but... ... Notes 11 Hamlet, (4.5.3,5-10). 22 Hamlet, (4.5.7) 33 Hamlet, (4.5.6-7). 44 Neely, chant Thomas, Document in Madness, University of Illinois, Shakespeare Criticism Yearbook 1991, Volume 19, pp 333-334. 55 Hamlet, (4.5.21). 66 Hamlet, (4.5.29-32) 77Hamlet , (2.2.186) 88 Turner, John, Hamlet The Court in Transition. University College of Swansea, Shakespearean Criticism, Volume 16, Yearbook 1990, p. 253. 99 Neely, p. 333. 1010 Hamlet, (4.5.47-54) 1111 Neely, p. 333. 1212 Hamlet, (4.5.55). 1313 Neely, p. 333. 1414 Hamlet, (4.5.159). 1515 Hamlet, (4.5.176-186) 1616 Persoon, James. Shakespeares Hamlet the moment of Ophelias distribution of herbs and flowers. Explicator, v. 55, Wntr 1997, pp 70-71. 1717 Persoon, p 71. 1818Hamlet, (2.2109)