First Blast of the trumpet against the Monstrous Regiment of Women).
             In a patriarchal society women were controlled by their brothers as well as their fathers. Laertes and Polonius are both seen instructing Ophelia on her relationship with Hamlet. Women in 16th century England were viewed as possessions of men. This is shown clearly in Ophelia and Polonius' relationship. The language which Polonius uses to talk to his daughter is formal, instructing her in commands, 'my daughter ... what is between you? Give me up the truth'(1.3.97). Polonius uses a possessive adjective to emphasise that Ophelia is his property, merely an object that is his. He reaffirms this in act 3, scene 1, using Ophelia as a pawn to spy on Hamlet, showing no regard for her feelings.
             In act 4 scene 7, on hearing of his sister's death Laertes says 'I forbid my tears...When these are gone,/ The woman will be out'(4.7.188). This is typical of the view of women during the 17th century. Women were characteristically seen as emotional and delicate, in contrast to the emotionally strong and level-headed male. Ironically, it is Laertes who cries, whereas Ophelia does not. Instead we see Ophelia, a character in a mascul
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