Hamlet

Problem stated: What was Hamlet and OpheliaЎЇs relationship? How intimate was this relationship?

Problem explained: Near the beginning of the play, Polonius convinced Claudius and Gertrude that HamletЎЇs madness is result of his increasing love for Ophelia. Ophelia portrays Hamlet as a distracted lover when he barged into her room wildly. The soft and obedient Ophelia seems like a maiden virgin who would never commit original sin. Nowhere in the play did either character express physical love to each other. Yet HamletЎЇs sexual mockery towards Ophelia suggests their relationship is more than it seems.

Possible interpretations:

1. Hamlet seduced Ophelia and does not truly love her.

2. Hamlet loves Ophelia but Ophelia does not return his love.

3. They love each other and have been intimate before.

4. They are not lovers and do not feel any emotion towards one another.

Preferred interpretation explained: Although there are many theories out there about the true nature of Hamlet and OpheliaЎЇs relationship, there is only one that can be supported with several textual evidence. Hamlet and Ophelia were intimate and were genuinely in love with one another. During his ÐŽomousetrapÐŽ± play, Hamlet uses excess body humor with Ophelia: ÐŽoThat's a fair thought to lie between maids' legs.ÐŽ± Many presume that his statements are saturated with bitterness and mockery. It is true that his crude words towards Ophelia are harsh but there is a reasonable explanation for it. Hamlet, after his motherЎЇs ÐŽoincestuousÐŽ± marriage to his uncle, distrusts women in general. He exclaimed, ÐŽoFrailty, thy name is woman!ÐŽ± His suspension and viciousness towards women