ACT 1,3 OPHELIA Flashcards
AO3 Elizabeth I
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
Elizabeth quote
I know I have the weak and feeble body of a woman but I have the heart of a king
quotes that how Hamlet and Ophelia’s relationship as corrupt
contagious blasts are most imminent
The canker galls the infant springs
Analyse the canker that galls the infant springs
Laertes uses phallic imagery to show how Ophelia’s purity is being corrupted by sex
analyse the most contagious blasts are imminent
Laertes explains how hamlet and Ophelia’s relationship, if it were to continue, would lead to corruption and contagion
quotes that show how Ophelia’s virginity is associated with money
tender yourself more dearly/ta’en these tenders for true pay
Chaste treasure
analyse tender yourself more dearly
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.
Quotes that show Ophelia’s obedience to polonius
[don’t] give words or talk to Lord Hamlet
I shall obey my lord
Scanter your maiden presence
analyse ‘I shall obey my lord.’
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.
quotes that present Ophelia as immature and naive
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
analyse you speak like a green girl
the colour imagery presents Ophelia as foolish and naive
analyse think yourself a baby
presents Ophelia as immature and not understanding of her relationship
Analyse springes to catch the woodcock
woodcock is a foolish bird, thus presenting Ophelia as falling for a trap and is foolish for doing so
analyse a violet in the youth of primy nature
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
analyse scanter your maiden presence
Supports the idea of a Petrarchan lover- she is valued for how desirable she is
what quite shows what polonius believes hamlets promises are?
they are brokers/ not of the dye that their investments show
analyse they are brokers/not of the dye that their investments show
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
AO3 marriage
Dowry marriages were very common
Critics for Ophelia and women
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)
Quotes where Ophelia calls out double standards
Do not show me the steep way to heaven…while…the primrose path of dalliance treads
Analyse do not show me the steep way to heaven…while… the primrose path of dalliance treads
She calls out laertes up virtuous and hypocritical behaviour, acknowledges the advice is gender based.
What does Laertes say to Ophelia in response?
O’ fear me not, I stay too long
Analyse o’ fear me not I stay too long
He dismisses her statement as the purity of men do not matter and insinuates he has nothing to war
