Women in Shakespeare’s Hamlet Essay - 784 Words

Women in Shakespeare’s play â€Å"Hamlet† Throughout Shakespeare’s play â€Å"Hamlet† women are used as method for men to get what they want. The men in Hamlet, either directly or indirectly continuously use women to acquire something from other men. The only two women in the entire play are Gertrude and Ophelia, who are consistently used by the current king, Claudius, Polonius, and Hamlet. Ophelia is exploited by Polonius and the King (mainly together), and is also used by Hamlet. Gertrude is used by the King, as well as Polonius. In â€Å"Hamlet,† the women throughout the play are used as pawns for men to get what they want, mainly from the other men. Ophelia is used by not only Hamlet, but also by Polonius and Claudius. Hamlet uses Ophelia after†¦show more content†¦Polonius gives Ophelia a prayer book to â€Å"color [her] loneliness† so Hamlet will not be suspicious of her walking alone around the castle. (Act 3, Scene 1, Lines45-46) Gertrude as well is exploited by men throughout the play. Gertrude is seen as a prize to Claudius, a way for him to succeed to the thrown without having Hamlet take over. Although it is not doubted that he loves her, but he first uses her to get the kingship without question. Claudius has been wooing Gertrude even before the death of the king, which a reason for the â€Å"most wicked speed† in which they were married. (Act 1, scene 2. line 156) Gertrude is also used by Polonius, but more so she allows him to spy on her having a discussion with Hamlet. Polonius tells the Queen that Hamlet is coming to her private chambers and that she should have a discussion with him on his lately â€Å"unrestrained† acts. She replies to Polonius that she will â€Å"warrant† him, and â€Å"fear [her] not† for she is on his side. (Act 3 Scene 4 Lines 1-7) Gertrude however is not an unintelligent woman, so a reader would wonder why she would allow herself to be exploite d by Claudius. Carolyn G. Heliburn agrees with Gertrude’s intelligence saying that her speeches are â€Å"not the mark of a dull and shallow woman.† The women in Hamlet are affected greatly after being exploited by the men in the play. Ophelia goes mad – her nature is â€Å"indeed distract†- not only because of the exploitation, but also because of her Father’s death,Show MoreRelatedHamlet And Ophelia And Women In Shakespeares Hamlet1306 Words   |  6 Pageseyes 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. 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