How does Shakespeare present Ophelia in the world of ‘Hamlet’? In what ways have modern readers and audiences interpreted her character?

1,685 Words
AS Level
Katie Matthews

How does Shakespeare present Ophelia in the world of ‘Hamlet’? In what ways have modern readers and audiences interpreted her character?


Even though Ophelia is not the central character in the play ‘Hamlet’, she is still an important one. Since Shakespeare wrote the play in the early 1600s, depending on the theatrical performances and director’s view, audience’s and critics’ interpretations of Ophelia have changed dramatically throughout the past 400 years.
Shakespeare, in the portrayal of Ophelia shows how men in a strong patriarchal society controlled women in the 1600s. The influence of men in Ophelia’s life is evident throughout by the relationships with the men in her life. It is interesting to note that Ophelia’s first scene is in a very domestic setting. Her brother, Laertes is stressing to Ophelia the fickleness of young love showing men’s attitudes towards women in the period by assuming that Ophelia cann...