How do you characterize Ophelia? How would Hamlet characterize Ophelia? Do you agree with him? What does she bring to the unfolding of the story? What function or purpose does she serve? What lines from the text reveal her character?
Ophelia seems very submissive. She does whatever she is told to do. For example, Polonius and Laertes tell her how to act around and respond to Hamlet. She simply replies, "I shall obey, my Lord" (1.3.135). Not once in the conversation does she mention how she feels or what she wants from him. It is not focused on her feelings, but rather what her father and brother feel. She never tries to question this behavior. Instead, she accepts it and goes along with it. If my parents or brother ever tried to tell me what to do with other people, I would become angry and get in a fight with them. I would not stand for them trying to control my life. However, Ophelia allows this to happen with no resistance whatsoever. I am not sure if this is a reflection of her or of women in general during this time period. Ophelia could be a symbol for how life was when this play took place.
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