Ophelia can be compared to that of a delicate, wilted, flower. She is fragile and apparently ruled by the men in her life. It is as though she has no true identity, for Polonius and Laertes dictated her actions. Her brother discourages her from maintaining her relationship with Hamlet by telling her, "Fear it Ophelia, fear it my dear sister, and keep you in the rear of your affection out of the shot and danger of desire." Her father concurs with Laertes' opinions of Hamlet's true intentions and tells her princes could only marry princesses. This is a contradiction, for throughout the play, Gertrude implies that she would like to see Hamlet and Ophelia together. If Polonius were correct, wouldn't Gertrude have been the first to say her son must look for a more deserving woman? At no time during t

At one point, her father uses her as a marionette. In asking her to speak to Hamlet while Claudius and Polonius spy on them so that they may determine the reason for Hamlet's madness; Polonius sacrifices Ophelia's hurt feelings of no longer being with Hamlet. Polonius failed to consider that having Ophelia do this, would driver her further into the midst of sadness. All they knew (or THOUGHT they knew) was, that she was the bait they needed in order to solve the puzzle. Was the fact that Hamlet was a male prince more important than manipulating his own daughter into playing along? Again, he took her vulnerability, used it to control her, and did not see the consequences in doing so.

During the short funeral in which the priest advises Laertes that Ophelia was not worthy of a long funeral, one could almost feel the sadness of her life. Because of her suicide, she was now destined to roam aimlessly as a lost soul. It is doubtful that she made it to Heaven. Not even in death could she find relief. Priest

Without further questioning, she obediently agrees to abide by her father's wishes of severing the relationship. This is truly sad for it is obvious she has strong feelings for him. Rather than stand up for her beliefs, she in essence, sacrifices herself in order to please her father.

Hamlet is yet another person who hurts her terribly. In denying he ever loved her and telling her she was in essence, a

Some common words found in the essay are:
Hamlet Polonius, Ophelia Polonius, Yes Gertrude, Priest Ophelia's, Claudius Hamlet's, Fear Ophelia, Gone Hamlet, Laertes Ophelia, , Claudius Polonius, play gertrude, ophelia's life, throughout play, tragedy hamlet,
Approximate Word count = 974
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)