Hamlet And Women Essay

William Shakespeares famous play, Hamlet, offers detailed and often callous insights into the role of women, and men, in the Renaissance period in which the playwright lived in. Throughout this time, traditional women were often constantly criticised and treated as inferior to male counterparts. As such, Shakespeare has constructed his female characters to fulfil these traditional roles; however by taking a feminist approach these female characters appear marginalised and degraded. Ultimately, through the playwrights representation of women, they can be see as worthless, sexual objects , both weak and inconsiderate in nature.

Through a modern perception on the playwrights female characters, women can be seen as worthless, sexually corrupt indiviudals. Ophelia, often through the words of the men around her, can be partiicuarly perceived in this way. This is evident, with her father, Polonius when he says to Claudius, At such a time, I loose my daughter to him; Be you and I behind an arras then; Mark the encounter (2.2.176-178) Polonius language here suggests that Ophelia is more of an animal than his daughter, and he as her father shows her little respect. This reading of Ophelia is also apparent through Hamlets language, describing her in unpleasant context or as a dead dog(2.2.81). He treats her with little regard and believes that she is a breeder of maggot This is also evident when Hamlet says to her, I say we will have no more marriages. Those that are married already, all but one, shall live; the rest shall keep as they are. To a nunnery go (3.1.150) Here Hamlet almost commands Ophelia to go to a nunnery, suggesting that she, as a sexually corrupt female, needs improvement. Therefore, Shakespeares use of language, illustrated by words adopted by male characters, not only identitifies how women are marginalised, but their ill-sentiments towards them only act as emphasisers to their bravery, importance and nobility.

Through a feminist approach, again, it becomes apparent that the playwrights representation of women can show them as weak, incapable individuals, who are wholly dependent on men. Throughout the play, Ophelia has an almost custodial relationship with her father, Polonius and her brother, Laertes, and it is littered with examples of their possessory, controlling treatment of her. Furthermore, Laertes dominant character contrasts with Ophelias character which makes her appear weak and less important. For example, he says to her, For Hamlet and the trifling of his favour; Hold it a fashion and a toy in blood, The perfume and suppliance of a minute; No more (1.3.6-9) The language adopted only shows his influence, by instructing Ophelia how to act, rather then letting herself decide. Dominant language is also adopted by her father when he instructs her to stay away from Hamlet, Ophelias true love, in which she agrees to stop seeing him and replies, I shall obey, my lord (1.3.135). Claudius language too, illustrates the superiority of men, who believes that Ophelias madness in great ones must be carefully watched. (3.1.187) Again, it shows that men are a positive influence, with the weaker female characters being marginalised, and through a feminist reading, it is evident that women can be seen as insignificant individuals, incapable of controlling their own lives.

Through a feminist outlook on the way women are constructed in the play, it can be justified that women can be seen as inconsiderate, selfish human beings. Primarily, women appear to be represented in unflattering light, and therefore, they can be seen as the main instigators for such events occurring. This is illustrated through the actions of Gertrude, Hamlets mother, whose inconsiderate nature, results in the death of Polonius, Claudius, Ophelia and even herself. In Act 1, Scene 2, her thoughtlessness is particularly obvious, when, less than two months after King Hamlets death, Gertrude remarries Claudius, her husbands brother. In this process she is treated as incestuous (1.2.157) and a beast (1.2.150), who should have realised the effect of her actions on others.

Through a feminist outlook on the way in which women are constructed in the play, it is also evident that they appear inconsiderate, selfish human beings. Primarily, women can be seen in an unflattering light through the language of others; therefore, they can be seen as the main instigators for several of the events occurring. This is illustrated through the actions of Gertrude, Hamlets mother, whose inconsiderate nature in the results of the death of Polonius, Claudius, Ophelia and even herself. In Act 1, Scene 2, her thoughtlessness is particularly obvious, when, two months after King Hamlets death, Gertrude remarries to Claudius, her husbands brother. In this process she is treated as incestuous and a beast, who should have realised the affect of her actions on others. Hamlets apparent disgust with Gertrude seems to extend to all women, when he exasperates, Frality thy name is woman (1.2.145) The inconsiderate nature of women is also present, when Getrude, who, herself, admits she is wicked, says to Hamlet, Thou turnst mine eyes into my very soul; And there I see such black and grained spots; As will not leave their tinct (3.4.90-92). Thus, the language adopted by Shakespeare, makes women appear to have black and tainted souls. Therefore, through the playwrights portrayal of Gertrude, it is evident that she is marginalised, and the representation of women can be seen as degrading.