Ophelia as a victim

Question 1

How is Ophelia a victim in Act 1, Scene 3?

Answer 1

She is forbidden to see or continue her romance with Hamlet- ordered by both Laertes and Polonius- controlled by the men within her family
Laertes- Ophelia’s best interests at heart
Polonius- Politically minded- does not want to tarnish family reputation
Ophelia- Young, inexperienced, oblivious to darker side of mankind

Question 2

How is Ophelia a victim in Act 2, Scene 1?

Answer 2

Arguably thinks she is responsible for Hamlet’s madness- as she has cut off her relationship with him

Question 3

Quote to show Ophelia as a victim in Act 2, Scene 1?

Answer 3

‘Mad for thy love… but I do truly fear it’

Question 4

How is Ophelia a victim in Act 3, Scene 1?

Answer 4

Hamlet, in an arranged meeting between he and Ophelia, denies the love he felt for her- he is deliberately cruel and sexually humiliates her- criticised by audience

Question 5

Quotes to highlight Ophelia as a victim in Act 3, Scene 1?

Answer 5

‘I did love you once’
‘I loved you not’
‘Get thee to a nunnery’

Question 6

What intensifies Hamlet’s cruelty in Act 3, Scene 1?

Answer 6

The idea that his madness could all be a pretence

Act 1, Scene 5- ‘to put on antic disposition’

Question 7

How is Ophelia a victim in Act 3, Scene 2

Answer 7

Further sexual humiliation of Ophelia ‘Do you think you country matters?’ - pun/ sexual imagery
Ophelia= victim Hamlet= villain

Question 8

How is Ophelia a victim in Act 4, Scene 5?

Answer 8

Sings in grief- secondary victim of Polonius death- crime is poisonous and the cause of suffering

Question 9

Claudius reaction to Ophelia’s grief in Act 4, Scene 5?

Answer 9

‘O this is poison of deep grief’

Question 10

When do audience learn of Ophelia’s death?

Answer 10

Act 5, Scene 1

Question 11

How do grave diggers describe the death?

Answer 11

One that was a women, sir but rest her soul, she’s dead