William Shakespeare s Hamlet - The Characterization Of...

Today women all across the globe suffer at the hands of their male counterparts. Faced with discrimination, prejudice, and hate, they are forced into a life of unquestioning obedience and servitude. Unfortunately this concept is not of new occurrence. In fact, it has been the case for hundreds of years. This idea is well demonstrated in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, through the characterization of young Ophelia. As Shakespeare tells the dramatic story of Hamlet’s incestuous and corrupt family, Ophelia seems to often be cast aside and forgotten. She is subjected to much emotional abuse as she undergoes sexualization, harassment and manipulation at the hands not only her love Hamlet, but from her own father, Polonius. It is these injustices and her dependence on the men to run her life, that ultimately lead to her untimely death. As a woman in a society dominated by men, Ophelia has few choices in life. While unmarried she has to obey her father, and once married she will have to obey her husband. Knowing this, it is clear from the text that Ophelia is a proper woman for her time. She obediently does as her father tells her without complaint. Even if she does not want to, when her father gives the order, she obeys. This attitude of obedience is clear when she has a conversation about chastity with her father Polonius. Ophelia’s reply to her father telling her that she cannot speak to Hamlet anymore is direct. Without a second thought she replies, â€Å"I shall obey, my lord†Show MoreRelatedWilliam Shakespeare s Much Ado About Nothing And Hamlet1503 Words   |  7 PagesCharacterization is a literary element that is portrayed as the definition of the character by means of their thoughts, well-being, actions, and interactions with the other set roles. William Shakespeare’s plays included dissimilar characters and different methods of characterization. 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