|
|
Ophelia's MadnessWhile many characters are confused by Hamlet’s new characteristics that come along with his supposed insanity, none are affected like Ophelia, Hamlet’s former girlfriend. When Hamlet casts her off and tells her know how little she meant to him, Ophelia is crushed. The addition of her father's death, who was murdered unjustly by Hamlet, only adds to her instability and ultimately the combination of the two tear her town. Hamlet betrays Ophelia, similarly how to how Claudius betrays Hamlet and his father. In many ways, Ophelia’s madness liberates her mind, freeing her from the stress of her life. In the height of her madness, she is caught singing to her reflection in the mirror. She sings old nursery rhymes, which offer a juxtaposition to her father’s death which has just occurred. There is also irony in Ophelia’s madness, resulting in her death. She drowns herself in river, causing everyone to look down on her as being weak and as someone who crumbled under the stress. In reality, Ophelia is actually stronger than Hamlet himself. Hamlet is unable to act on his words; Ophelia commits the ultimate act in killing herself. Many view her act as giving up, but really, Ophelia did what Hamlet couldn’t do all along.
.
|
|
Douglas Williamson