Women

Question 1

Leonard Tennenhouse, on Gertrude

Answer 1

“ To possess Gertrude’s body is to possess the state. “

Question 2

Patrick Cruttwell, on Gertrude & Sexual Desire

Answer 2

“ This feeling there is something wrong, something indecent, in a middle-aged woman having sexual desires was very strong and widespread at the time. “

Question 3

Patrick Cruttwell, on Ophelia and the Nunnery

Answer 3

“ When Hamlet says to Ophelia ‘get thee to a nunnery, why wouldst thou be a breeder of sinners?’ he is giving advice which many a father of the church has given before him, and for the same reason. “

Question 4

David Leverenz, on Hamlet’s Violence Towards Women

Answer 4

“ Hamlet’s disgust at the feminine passivity in himself is translated into violent revulsion against women and into his brutal behaviour towards Ophelia. “

Question 5

Juliet Dusinberre, on Ophelia

Answer 5

“ Ophelia is stifled by the authority of the male world. “

Question 6

Dr Johnson on Hamlet’s treatment of Ophelia

Answer 6

‘useless & wanton cruelty’

Question 7

Sturgeon on Ophelia

Answer 7

“Only in death does Ophelia escape the whore image”

Question 8

Rebecca Smith on Gertrude love & H&C

Answer 8

“Although he clearly loves her- Claudius shares the HamletsÕ conception of Gertrude as an object. She is possessed as one of the effects of his actions.”