THE PORTRAYAL OF WOMEN

A detailed Summary of THE PORTRAYAL OF WOMEN

THE PORTRAYAL OF WOMEN

Strong, ambitious, and independent. These are all characteristics that are associated with many of the women today. The role of women has made great strides over past eras, as we move closer toward a state of equality. From labels such as, "Frailty, thy name is woman!"(I, II, 46) females now are productive, confident, members of society. Women now have a powerful voice in the occurrences of today. However, society was not always so accepting of this idea. William Shakespeare's Hamlet exhibits society's submissive view of the female during the Elizabethan era. In Shakespeare's Hamlet, Gertrude and Ophelia portray women who are romantically passionate, but are frail, passive, people lacking the precedence to make decisions concerning their own lives.

Firstly, the characters Gertrude and Ophelia lacked the confidence to voice an opinion in the decisions being made about their lives. They were under the direction of their male counterparts and were obedient to their wishes. To illustrate, rather than continuing to voice her desire to continue her relationship with Hamlet, Ophelia willingly accepts her father's order to

Your visitation shall receive such thanks (II,II,23-25)

In second husband let me be accurst!

I have heard of your paintings too, well enough.

In contrast, Ophelia and Gertrude depicted roles as women who were extremely passionate, but nonetheless very untrustworthy romantically. Ophelia, as well as women in general, are chastised by Hamlet for there ability to use beauty in corruption honest men.

go farewell. Or if the wilt needs marry , marry a

passion. Although women may profess their undying love and faithfulness it is as unpredictable as the weather. For example the Player Queen declares

God hath given you one face, and you make

>From the fair forehead of an innocent love,

Although it is apparent that her interest and desire to continue her relationship with Lord Hamlet is considerable, Ophelia obeys Polonius with no restraint. She also gives her acceptance of her brother's wish for her to stay away from Hamlet without any protest. "I shall the effect of this lesson keep"(I, III, 45). Polonius refers to Ophelia as "Ay, springes to catch woodcocks"(I,III,115) implying she lacks the intelligence to resist the traps of a pursuing male. Ophelia continues to be exhibit her passive and powerless ways as Polonius solely decides to "At such a time I'll loose my daughter to him:"(II, II, 160) This allows King Claudius and himself to spy on Hamlet without her prior input. Their lack of consideration for the opinion of Ophelia displays Polonius and Leartes dominance and control. The submissiveness of women is further displayed with the mental breakdown of Ophelia. The female characteristic of weakness and inability to handle the lose of a loved one!

most any position, even those once considered male dominated. From judges to politician women are everywhere. On the down side, some of the roles associated with the female still hold true. Some are still reliant on the support of a male and are

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Approximate Word count = 1303
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English