Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet” explores the universal themes of struggle and disillusionment which enables Hamlet to still be relatable today. Shakespeare highlights these themes through the characterization of Hamlet, who lives in a perpetual state of disillusionment as a result of the events that unfold. Hamlet’s struggle with his own moral code in contrast with his faith which he continues to question throughout the play adds to his disillusionment. Similarly, the character of Ophelia represents the struggle of a 16th century woman who is manipulated by dominant male figures in her life. Therefore Shakespeare’s dramatic treatment of struggle and disillusionment enable the play to endure the test of time.
Throughout the entire play, Hamlet …show more content…
As a woman in Elizabethan society she is subject to male manipulation and is often used as a pawn throughout the play for the male characters to achieve their aims. As a result of this Ophelia descends into madness. Her manipulation is evident very early in the play as her father, Polonius, discovers her attraction to Hamlet which he orders her to not give him “words or talk”. This emphasizes his efforts to try and protect her from Hamlet’s madness and force Ophelia to obey his orders. Her disillusionment is highlighted in the line “I was the more deceived” Ophelia struggles against the men in the play as they manipulate her for their own interests. Her disillusionment is further highlighted in her relationship with Hamlet. She states “before you tumbled me you promised me to wed.” highlighting her loss of faith in Hamlet and her loss of innocence further portrayed through the symbol of a flower, “I would give you some violets but they withered all when my father died.” The role of women and the condemnation of sexual promiscuity throughout the ages continues to be relevant today as there is still a divide between the roles of men and women, thus, making Ophelia’s struggle a universal
Throughout the entire play, Hamlet …show more content…
As a woman in Elizabethan society she is subject to male manipulation and is often used as a pawn throughout the play for the male characters to achieve their aims. As a result of this Ophelia descends into madness. Her manipulation is evident very early in the play as her father, Polonius, discovers her attraction to Hamlet which he orders her to not give him “words or talk”. This emphasizes his efforts to try and protect her from Hamlet’s madness and force Ophelia to obey his orders. Her disillusionment is highlighted in the line “I was the more deceived” Ophelia struggles against the men in the play as they manipulate her for their own interests. Her disillusionment is further highlighted in her relationship with Hamlet. She states “before you tumbled me you promised me to wed.” highlighting her loss of faith in Hamlet and her loss of innocence further portrayed through the symbol of a flower, “I would give you some violets but they withered all when my father died.” The role of women and the condemnation of sexual promiscuity throughout the ages continues to be relevant today as there is still a divide between the roles of men and women, thus, making Ophelia’s struggle a universal