Gender inequality is a predominant issue in the play Hamlet. The two main female characters (Gertrude and Ophelia) are portrayed as weak, dependent, and manipulated by the male figures in their lives.
The Role of Women in Hamlet
"Frailty, thy name is woman!" (1.2.146)
Going Back to History...
- During medieval times it was considered disgraceful for women to go on stage
- In the time of William Shakespeare acting was considered to be a man's profession
- Women roles were played by men
- Women were not given the opportunity until the 1600's.
Thesis
References
Weakness
- Findlay, A. (n.d.). Gertrude. Women In Shakespeare. Retrieved December 13, 2017
- Shakespeare, W., & Hubler, E. (1987). The tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. New York, N.Y
- Frailty, Thy Name Is Woman - Hamlet (1/10) Movie CLIP (1990) HD [Video file]. (2012, October 7).
- Queen Gertrude remarried to her husband's brother right after her husband died.
- Hamlet (9/10) Movie CLIP - The Poisoned Cup (1990) HD [Video file]. (2012, October 7).
- She was driven by her emotions and not her moral, showing women as weak.
- Caused prince Hamlet to lose respect for his mother and generalize females as frail (weak).
To Conclude...
Manipulation
Ophelia:
- Shows great loyalty to her father Polonius as she agrees to stay away from Hamlet when he asks her to.
"Gertrude is weak and dependent until the end of the play where her one act of independence causes her death" (Findlay 153)
- Polonius manipulates her.
Shakespeare creates a sympathetic image of Gertrude and Ophelia as their tragic deaths can be blamed on the issue of gender inequality; both characters are illustrated as weak, dependent, and tools of manipulation by the male figures in their lives. Fortunately in present day society, many women have become more independent to overcome many obstacles and challenges to get to where they want to be.
Dependence
Ophelia:
- Hamlet and Polonius death play a key role in her madness and death
- Hamlet abandons her as a lover and is ruthless and cold towards innocent Ophelia
Quote: "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" (3.1.135)
- Portrays females as dependent on males for well being.