Themes: Misogyny and Gender
Hamlet was written and first performed in a deeply patriarchal society, and this social context is well-represented in the play itself. Through Gertrude and Ophelia, the only two women in the play, modern audiences can come to understand how the limited and challenging gender roles of this period left little hope for a woman’s personal happiness or fulfillment.
Hamlet idealizes his mother and father’s relationship and harshly judges Gertrude for remarrying so soon after his father’s death. It is quite possible, however, that Gertrude's marriage to Claudius was an act of survival rather than of love; Gertrude may have seen an alliance with Claudius as a way to escape her precarious social position as the widowed former queen. Instead of considering the complexity of Gertrude’s situation, Hamlet judges his mother's grief as false, noting the "unrighteous tears" in her "galled eyes." He accuses his mother of weakness, a complaint he then extends to all women: "Frailty, thy name is woman!" In act 3, Hamlet directly confronts his mother, using harsh and, at times, graphically sexual language to accuse her of immodesty and hypocrisy. Confused, Gertrude tells her son that his words are like "daggers" entering her ears and that he has "cleft [her] heart in twain." It is never revealed to what extent Gertrude is aware, if at all, of Claudius’s crimes, but her genuine shock in this scene suggests that she is likely ignorant of his treachery. In the final scene of the play, Gertrude eventually falls victim to Claudius's scheming herself.
Ophelia, a young and innocent beauty who was once the object of Hamlet's affection, finds herself powerless and trapped by the contradictory expectations of the men around her. To her family, Ophelia must embody purity and chastity, whereas Hamlet sees her as an object of desire and romance. The contradictions inherent in Ophelia’s position are highlighted in the conflicting instructions of her family, who initially urge her to reject Hamlet’s romantic advances but then later demand that she exploit Hamlet’s love to further their plans. Once Hamlet realizes that she has been drawn into the schemes of the king, he, too, uses Ophelia as a pawn, toying with her emotions and insisting that his earlier professions of love were lies. He belittles her and dismisses her misery, insisting that women are deceptive by nature. After Hamlet kills her father, Ophelia is driven to madness and dies, presumably by suicide. In her madness, Ophelia’s disjointed stories and songs often touch on themes of sex, betrayal, and innocence, implicating the dueling manipulations of Polonius, Laertes, and Hamlet in her mental breakdown. Ophelia’s apparent suicide, though condemned as a sin, is perhaps the only point in the play where she takes control of her own life's trajectory—though her deteriorated mental state leaves the true extent of her agency unclear.
Expert Q&A
Can you explain the following quote from Hamlet in relation to the theme of anti-feminism?
"If thou dost marry, I'll give thee this plague for thy dowry: be thou as chaste as ice, as pure as snow, thou shalt not escape calumny. Get thee to a nunnery. Go, farewell. Or if thou wilt needs marry, marry a fool; for wise men know well enough what monsters you make of them. To a nunnery go - and quickly too. Farewell."
In this quote, Hamlet's harsh words to Ophelia reflect anti-feminism by portraying women as inherently deceitful and damaging to men. He cynically suggests that even if Ophelia remains chaste, she will still face slander, indicating a societal bias against women. The term "nunnery" could imply either a convent, suggesting chastity, or a brothel, insinuating promiscuity. Hamlet's advice to marry a "fool" implies that only ignorant men can be happy with women, reinforcing misogynistic stereotypes.
Did Hamlet and Ophelia have a sexual relationship?
The text is ambiguous on whether or not Hamlet and Ophelia slept together. However, it is clear that they were involved in some form of a romantic relationship.
What does the Queen's speech suggest about Ophelia's madness and death reasons?
The Queen's speech indicates that Ophelia's madness led to her death, suggesting she was overwhelmed by her "distress" and possibly committed suicide. The speech describes Ophelia's erratic behavior, such as making a garland with ominously named flowers and singing hymns while drowning, oblivious to the danger. This behavior reflects her mental breakdown, exacerbated by Hamlet's rejection and her father's death, portraying her as trapped between reality and a mythological transformation.
How is marriage represented in Hamlet?
Marriage in Hamlet is depicted as a political and social institution, especially for the elite. Gertrude's marriages to King Hamlet and Claudius highlight themes of power, legitimacy, and the role of women in a male-dominated society. Her quick remarriage to Claudius is seen as a strategic move to retain power. The play portrays marriage as flawed, emphasizing female weakness and male ambition, as seen in Gertrude's alignment with Claudius and Ophelia's tragic relationship with Hamlet.
What evidence in Hamlet suggests that Gertrude and Ophelia are strong characters, contrary to male perception?
Gertrude and Ophelia demonstrate strength in "Hamlet" despite male perceptions. Gertrude challenges Polonius and Claudius's assumptions about Hamlet's behavior and bravely alerts Hamlet to Claudius's treachery after being poisoned. Ophelia exhibits strength by confronting her brother's hypocrisy and maintaining composure when Hamlet mocks her. Her eventual madness allows her to express herself freely, and her suicide is a final act of autonomy. Both characters subtly defy the constraints of their patriarchal society.
How can the quote "Take thee to a nunnery. Why wouldst thou be a breeder of sinners?" from Hamlet be contextualized?
The quote "Take thee to a nunnery. Why wouldst thou be a breeder of sinners?" reflects Hamlet's deep disillusionment with humanity. Following his "To be, or not to be" soliloquy, Hamlet expresses his despair to Ophelia, advising her to become a nun to avoid perpetuating human sinfulness. His remarks reveal his inner turmoil and loss of faith in people, seeing the world as irredeemably corrupt, including himself and even Ophelia, whom he loved.
Hamlet's and Shakespeare's perspectives on women
Hamlet's perspective on women in the play is largely negative, shaped by his disillusionment with his mother, Gertrude, and his complicated relationship with Ophelia. Shakespeare portrays women as complex characters, often constrained by societal expectations. While Hamlet expresses mistrust and frustration, Shakespeare's broader works suggest a more nuanced view, acknowledging both the strengths and vulnerabilities of women.
Women's Representation and Feminist Interpretations in Hamlet
In Hamlet, women's roles are shaped by patriarchal constraints, reflecting Elizabethan norms. Gertrude and Ophelia are depicted as passive and subordinate to men. Gertrude's hasty remarriage and Ophelia's obedience highlight their limited agency. Feminist interpretations suggest that Gertrude's actions are scrutinized through Hamlet's biases, while Ophelia's madness and eventual suicide underscore her victimization. The play portrays women as weak and manipulated, with their roles serving to advance male-driven plots and themes of madness, incest, and power dynamics.
Treatment and expectations of women by men in Shakespeare's "Hamlet."
In Shakespeare's "Hamlet," women are treated as subservient and are expected to be obedient to the men in their lives. Ophelia is controlled by her father Polonius and brother Laertes, while Gertrude is criticized for her swift remarriage. The play portrays women as pawns in the political and personal ambitions of men, reflecting the patriarchal norms of the time.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.
