Female Characters in "Hamlet"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how Gertrude and Ophelia are the only female characters in "Hamlet" and how, although the male characters take lead in this Shakespearean play, the roles of Gertrude and Ophelia are both memorable. It demonstrates how although neither have an extreme amount of lines, both characters roles are set up a system of cause effect within the play.

From the Paper:

"Gertrude does seem morally frail. She never exhibits the ability to think critically about her situation, but seems merely to move instinctively toward seemingly safe choices, as she immediately runs to Claudius after her confrontation with Hamlet. When Hamlet says "... kill a king and marry with his brother", she seems to respond with surprise as she replies, "As kill a king!" Later in that scene, when Hamlet has tried to win her round, she says, "O Hamlet thou hast cleft my heart in twain", therefore we see that she's divided between the two (Claudius and Hamlet) rather than siding firmly either way, showing she lacks in moral fibre and strength. Gertrude follows Claudius and is seen to not think for herself as she mixes up the names of Guildenstern and Rosencrantz trying to follow in what the King had said when greeting them."

More papers on Female Characters in "Hamlet":

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• Analytical Essay # 147433 : "Female Identity in Shakespearian Marriages"
• Analytical Essay # 4955 : "The Portrayal of Women in "Hamlet"

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