ACT 1,3 OPHELIA

Question 1

AO3 Elizabeth I

Answer 1

Elizabeth portrayed herself as a Petracharn lover since femininity was an important part of her identity
Maintained her political power by never marrying and portraying herself as untouchable but desirable as a PT
the need for this authority is rooted in the patriarchal and deep rooted misogynist society and royal court

Question 2

Elizabeth quote

Answer 2

I know I have the weak and feeble body of a woman but I have the heart of a king

Question 3

quotes that how Hamlet and Ophelia’s relationship as corrupt

Answer 3

contagious blasts are most imminent

The canker galls the infant springs

Question 4

Analyse the canker that galls the infant springs

Answer 4

Laertes uses phallic imagery to show how Ophelia’s purity is being corrupted by sex

Question 5

analyse the most contagious blasts are imminent

Answer 5

Laertes explains how hamlet and Ophelia’s relationship, if it were to continue, would lead to corruption and contagion

Question 6

quotes that show how Ophelia’s virginity is associated with money

Answer 6

tender yourself more dearly/ta’en these tenders for true pay

Chaste treasure

Question 7

analyse tender yourself more dearly

Answer 7

the semantic field of money and currency reflects how Ophelia’s virginity and marriage is viewed with monetary value and transactional. She is seen as a commodity and investment.

Question 8

Quotes that show Ophelia’s obedience to polonius

Answer 8

[don’t] give words or talk to Lord Hamlet

I shall obey my lord

Scanter your maiden presence

Question 9

analyse ‘I shall obey my lord.’

Answer 9

the use of caesura highlights the finality and lack of voice Ophelia has and the male dominance in her life.

The use of religious terms emphasises the filial responsibility and her passiveness.

Question 10

quotes that present Ophelia as immature and naive

Answer 10

Springes to catch the woodcocks

Fear it Ophelia fear it/best safety lies in fear

A violet in the youth of primy nature

You speak like a green girl

Think yourself a baby

Question 11

analyse you speak like a green girl

Answer 11

the colour imagery presents Ophelia as foolish and naive

Question 12

analyse think yourself a baby

Answer 12

presents Ophelia as immature and not understanding of her relationship

Question 13

Analyse springes to catch the woodcock

Answer 13

woodcock is a foolish bird, thus presenting Ophelia as falling for a trap and is foolish for doing so

Question 14

analyse a violet in the youth of primy nature

Answer 14

Violets are quick to bloom but also quick to die
Presents her and hamlets relationship as fleeting and being full of lust instead of love
Foolish as she does not understand that her and hamlets relationship will not last
The violet imagery presents her as desirable and fragile

Question 15

analyse scanter your maiden presence

Answer 15

Supports the idea of a Petrarchan lover- she is valued for how desirable she is

Question 16

what quite shows what polonius believes hamlets promises are?

Answer 16

they are brokers/ not of the dye that their investments show

Question 17

analyse they are brokers/not of the dye that their investments show

Answer 17

polonius does not believe in Hamlet’s promises and believes that they are like counterfeit money, presenting Ophelia as foolish as she falls for these promises

Question 18

AO3 marriage

Answer 18

Dowry marriages were very common

Question 19

Critics for Ophelia and women

Answer 19

In Shakespeare’s society the ideal female is cherished for her youth, purity and beauty (Roger’s)

Ophelia is deprived of though sexuality and language (showalter)

Women are either maiden saints or loathsome sinners (Mcgrory)

Question 20

Quotes where Ophelia calls out double standards

Answer 20

Do not show me the steep way to heaven…while…the primrose path of dalliance treads

Question 21

Analyse do not show me the steep way to heaven…while… the primrose path of dalliance treads

Answer 21

She calls out laertes up virtuous and hypocritical behaviour, acknowledges the advice is gender based.

Question 22

What does Laertes say to Ophelia in response?

Answer 22

O’ fear me not, I stay too long

Question 23

Analyse o’ fear me not I stay too long

Answer 23

He dismisses her statement as the purity of men do not matter and insinuates he has nothing to war