Women are represented in this tragedy, but on first analysis seem to be drowned in the mist of the deceitful power-game played out by a number of male figures, who in one way or another contribute to the on-going plot of murder, treachery, revenge and betrayal. The title of the play within a play, 'the mouse-trap' could apply to whole of 'Hamlet'. Is it set in a very political patriarchal society, which is dominated by the authoritive action of the male characters? 'Hamlet' is widely seen as a play where the female characters have small and seemingly unimportant roles, which portray them as extremely weak passive and subservient. The reader can only question if Shakespeare really invites the audience to perceive this apparent difference with which the gender roles have been depicted? Shakespeare lived and wrote in a time when one successful and powerful person, a woman known as Elizabeth 1, ruled England. Previously a lot of Shakespearian critics have underestimated the role of women in 'Hamlet', who appear to play little part in the storyline, as they make no direct action. However on deeper analysis we see how Shakespeare make

However is this genuine or does Gertrude bear the face of guilt?

It is interesting that when he kills Claudius his 'heart' and 'soul' is still filled with thoughts of his mother and not revenge for the death of his father. This is shown when he says 'go with thy mother' as he kills Claudius. His love for his mother is so potent yet she is the reason for his misogynistic attitude towards women as a whole seen in his treatment of Ophelia. Hamlet's accusation of his mother rests on an overall indictment of female sex: 'frailty, thy name is woman'. He sees a connection between female sexuality and corruption and Gertrude does appear to be morally frail. Does she ever think critically about her situation? It is easy to disagree with critic Linda Bomber's view that ' Gertrude's innocence or guilt is not really an issue in the play'. Gertrude aware or unaware is the driving force of Hamlet's actions and the reason for Claudius's bold action of murdering his brother.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Denmark Women, Angela Pitt, , Denmark' Claudius, Valentines Day', Linda Bomber's, Ophelia Hamlet, Gertrude Claudius's, Whilst Leartes, Previously Shakespearian, kills claudius, equal power, throughout play, gertrude appear, elizabeth 1, doesn't mind equal, doesn't mind, equal distribution, mind equal, genuinely accepted/, claudius genuinely, accepted/ doesn't mind, claudius genuinely accepted/, equal distribution power, mind equal distribution,
Approximate Word count = 1907
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)