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
             from this time forth,
             Have you so slander any moment's leisure,
             As you give words or talk with the lord Hamlet.(I,III,132-134)
             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...