ophelia
Ophelia is a dynamic and vital role in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. ... From the very first words she uttered, Ophelia was nothing but absolutely subservient to her father, brother and whatever male she came in contact with. ... In all appearances, though, Ophelia is what society expected someone of her standing to be, a quiet, mannerly and above else, obedient courtier. ... In the beginning, Hamlet’s affection for Ophelia seems completely genuine. ... Ophelia: “Indeed, my lord, you made me believe so.” Hamlet’s affection for Ophelia at that point was probably strained due to her lying to him and allowing herself to be used as pawn by Claudius and Polonius. ... ” Earlier, Polonius doubted Hamlet’s questionable intentions towards Ophelia. ... Polonius must have seen this as Hamlet’s ultimate goal and told Ophelia “ I would not, in plain terms, from this time forth have you so slander any moment leisure as to five words or talk to the Lord Hamlet. ... ” That was “it” and the end all; Ophelia’s decision was not really hers. ... I can see Polonius crushing the last bit of confidence and conviction that Ophelia possessed by his orders and this probably made her feel more like a thing and less than a intelligent human being. ... Ophelia is outnumbered and then forced into accepting her situation by writing Hamlet a letter. ... This all contributes to Ophelia’s dementia.