Who Is Ophelia A Hero

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Hamlet is a well known play written by William Shakespeare. Even though the main focus of the story is on Hamlet's mission to avenge his father’s murder, the minor roles also provide a thrill to readers everywhere. It is unfortunate the fascinating character of Ophelia did not have a stronger voice or more substance in the story. Despite the lack of insight the audience receives about her, Ophelia is still a muse. Whether we are intrigued by her tragic demise itself or what drove her to it, Ophelia has inspired many throughout history; even in modern times she is still a mysterious and compelling woman in literature that has inspired great works of art and writing.

Captivated by her beauty and death, many artists find grace in her passing. In a painting by John Everett Millais titled Ophelia, she is surrounded by gorgeous flowers and luscious foliage. Her countenance seems peaceful and content with the inevitable drowning that is sure to come. The scenery of the work is a reflection of Ophelia herself, beautiful and pristine externally, but secluded and in darkness internally. From the pressures brought upon her from her father and brother and the rejection of her lover, she is slowly sinking into the dark waters with parts of her already submerged. The part of her body sunken initially, is where she would’ve carried a child and where she lost her chastity. It …show more content…
In her ballads sung during her insanity, she references rue, an herb historically

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