An Analysis of Hamlet
Analysis of Hamlet, by William Shakespeare: Act III, Scene I, Lines 105-135 In this scene from William Shakespeare's Hamlet, we witness a conversation between Hamlet and Ophelia. The context of this dialog contributes to the development of both characters, as well as the nature of Hamlet's disturbingly turbulent emotions. We also gain insight into the overall themes of lust, deceit, and human corruption, which are present throughout the play. Line 105 begins with Hamlet questioning Ophelia's honesty as he asks her, "Are you fair"(1351)? To this point in the play nothing in Hamlet and Ophelia's relationship has warranted this kind of an angry accusation from Hamlet. Ophelia is saddened and dismayed by her lover's hurtful words and she does not completely understand why Hamlet chooses to be so cruel to her. She does understand, however, that Hamlet is angry and hurt over the death of his father. She believes that Hamlet is so tortured by this that it has brought him to the brink of insanity. For these reasons Ophelia is sympathetic to Hamlet, even as he lashes out at her, "O, help him, you sweet heavens" (1351)! Hamlet is projecting his anger at his mother, Gertrude, on to Ophelia. Because of h
Hamlet's love for his mother makes her deceit that much more painful to him. In modern times this message is especially well received. That is what is most disturbing to him and why he sees Ophelia as a threat to his own well-being. Ophelia? His mother? His uncle? Maybe he is most angry with himself for not foreseeing the tragic events of his father's demise. Perhaps what Shakespeare was trying to convey was the corruption of us all. is intense love for her, Hamlet believes that she will almost certainly betray him just as his mother betrayed his father. Just the very fact that Ophelia is a woman is enough proof for Hamlet that she is full of the same lust and deceit that has corrupted his father's honor. He loves her, but he is not about to let her know, so instead he treats her with indifference and suspicion. It is for this reason that he denies his true feelings. Hopefully, by studying works like Hamlet, we can at least begin to understand ourselves a little better, and maybe even improve the way we treat each other. Ophelia symbolizes what Hamlet once believed his mother to be. Hamlet blames his mother for his father's murder, and believes that she even conspired in it. Corruption, deceit, and lust are all commonplace among our societal burdens. Deceit envelops Hamlet, because he feels deceived by everyone, even himself. In this meeting with Ophelia, Hamlet has reached a point where he has vowed not to allow his emotions to enter into his actions anymore.
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