Essay about Did Hamlet Love Ophelia

Words: 1302
Pages: 6
Open Document
Matthew Sandoval Sandoval 1
Professor: Jamie F. Wheeler
ENGL 1302.S17
Date 2/4/12
Did Hamlet Love Ophelia?
Although some scholars argue that Hamlet has a concise story, it is filled with many uncertainties relating to Hamlet. One of which is Hamlet love for Ophelia, despite some argue otherwise, the evidence provides that the Prince truly did love Ophelia. The word “love” is a powerful one, both in real life, and in Shakespeare's play Hamlet. It is often a confusing concept, made even harder to grasp when one of the lovers repeatedly changes his/her mind (Hanson, 16). In Hamlet's case, his feelings towards Ophelia veer from love, to never loved, to always love. This cycle of emotions is due to Hamlet feigning …show more content…
Ophelia answers and tells Hamlet that Polonius is at home, suddenly Hamlet answers “Let the doors be shut upon him that he may play the fool nowhere but in‘s own house” (3.1.143-44). Hamlet implies that he knows Polonius has I eye on them and something is going to throw down. It is upon Act 5 where the affections for Hamlet and Ophelia are decided. The full faith where there are no hesitation of Hamlet’s intense love for Ophelia (Holland, 11). It is Ophelia’s funeral, and Hamlet confronts Laertes upon a test of their love for her. It was
Sandoval 4 to this challenge that Hamlet declares, “I loved Ophelia; Forty thousand brothers could not with all their quantities of love make up my sum” (5.1.261-264). It was especially difficult for Hamlet to talk to Ophelia. The only other woman in his life, Gertrude, has betrayed his father by marrying Claudius. This in fact, betrays Hamlet as well. Hamlet may be obsessed with the idea that all women are evil. Although there have been scenes in which there is the possibility of skepticism, my impression is that Hamlet did in fact, love Ophelia. His claims of affection and his bitter reaction to her denial prove his feelings of love. Although Shakespeare may not have made it excessively clear, the popular belief supports Hamlet’s love for Ophelia. So indeed, Hamlet did love Ophelia, and the evidence is also in the play that she did love the prince. When Laertes tells
Show More

Related Documents: Essay about Did Hamlet Love Ophelia

Did Hamlet Love Ophelia

Throughout William Shakespeare's play, Hamlet, the relationship between Hhamlet and Ophelia was difficult to understand as the play isn’t truly a love story and didn’t talk about love as much as other Shakespeare stories like Romeo and Juliet. There is some evidence arguing that Hhamlet never really loved Ophelia, then there's even more evidence against Hamlet loving Ophelia. We can infer that Hamlet loves Ophelia by how he acts around her at various parts throughout the play. There are lots of questions…

Words 598 - Pages 3

Did Hamlet Really Love Ophelia Analysis

In the play, Hamlet, written by William Shakespeare, a commonly argued subject is whether or not Hamlet ever really loved Ophelia. Throughout the story, love is tainted and made questionable by the characters actions and their history. Gertrude and Claudius, the king and queen in the play, may have been married, but their “love” was unsupported by Hamlet who thought it to be a disgrace. Hamlet and Ophelia were not entirely supported either because of the age difference, and Hamlet’s intentions with…

Words 1037 - Pages 5

Did Hamlet Really Love Ophelia Research Paper

What is love? Haven’t we all asked that question at least once in our lives? In Hamlet many questions are asked about if Hamlet was really in love with Ophelia or not. Of course there is plenty of evidence to others thinking Hamlet didn’t love Ophelia, but looking closely and catching little things that are said there is also just as much evidence that Hamlet does love her. Keep in mind everyone has their own way of showing love towards others, and it might not be the way you want or expect. Does…

Words 618 - Pages 3

Essay on Novel- Hamlet

is the question and moral of the novel- Hamlet. William Shakespeare composed one of the greatest tragedy's of all time in the 1600's. Hamlet struggles to keep the pain inside him trapped, thinking that the miseries of life couldn't be beard. Hamlet turns against Ophelia and thinks of her as a breeder of sinners, which makes Ophelia go insane. Hamlet and Ophelia develop many ways in the book that make them both alike and different. Hamlet and Ophelia have a lot in common. They both share similarities…

Words 591 - Pages 3

Does Hamlet Love Ophelia Analysis

William Shakespeare's Hamlet, several inquiries are raised in the matter of whether Hamlet is absolutely in love with Ophelia. Hamlet is a self-absorbed character. If one thinks that love involves selflessness, then maybe it could be argued that he's not in love with her. But from the text in the play, it is shown that he is deeply attracted to her and he once felt like she was one of his best friends, being someone he could really trust. Therefore, the love Hamlet has for Ophelia seems to be true. In…

Words 819 - Pages 4

Hamlet - the Love of Hamlet for Ophelia Essay

Hamlet is without any reservations, one of Shakespeare's most mystifying plays. Although the play has a concise story, it is filled with many uncertainties relating to different issues behind the plot. The reader is left with many uncertainties about the true feelings of prince Hamlet. One question in particular is, did Hamlet really love Ophelia? This dispute can be reinforced either way, however I believe Hamlet was truly in love with Ophelia. Support for my decision comes from Hamlet's treatment…

Words 1618 - Pages 7

Essay On Ophelia's Madness In Hamlet

Through the play of Hamlet, relationships are seen as unstable and unreliable. Not only are relationships tested when an insanity scene occurs, but true love and affection is critical as well at this time. This relates to Hamlet, as his repetitive failures of a relationship occur because of his madness. The love Hamlet has for Ophelia is inconsistent, as he does not continue to love her through his insanity moments. At the beginning of the play Hamlet’s affection for Ophelia is seen through Ophelia’s…

Words 649 - Pages 3

Love and Hamlet Essay

Shakespeare's Ophelia always seems to do as she is told, even if it is strongly against what her heart says. She is found always betraying her one true love, Hamlet, by obeying her father, Polonius, and later the king, Claudius, who believe that Hamlet has gone mad. Polonius seemed to be against Hamlet from the start, which should have been at least a signal to Ophelia to try and sneak around to be with Hamlet since Polonius did not even know him. First, Polonius told Ophelia not to ever speak to…

Words 963 - Pages 4

Does Hamlet Love Ophelia

Hamlet’s Love for Ophelia After reading Shakespear’s “Hamlet”, I feel like everyone should be a little confused on the fact of if Hamlet actually loves Ophelia. Does he? Or does he just “love” her when he needs someone there for him or just in the moment? I think love is a hard thing to justify. Is love a feeling, or is love a choice? Is it only called love if you only see the person once a day or every few days, or only if you see and talk to them all day, everyday? Love is indecribeable to a lot…

Words 990 - Pages 4

Hamlet Get Thee To A Nunnery Analysis

tragedy, Hamlet, would think that would be the final blow that killed any love between Hamlet and Ophelia, two long time lovers at the beginning of the play. However, in observing the circumstances around that scene and many other scenes, there is proof of an undying and passionate love from Hamlet for the fair daughter of the king's advisor. During the course of the play, Hamlet seems to go from loving Ophelia to despising her, then back to love and remorse at her death. I believe that Hamlet truly…

Words 549 - Pages 3