Women

Question 1

Ophelia - Elaine Showalter

Answer 1

“Ophelia represents the strong emotions that the Elizabethans as well as the Freudians thought womanish and unmanly.”

“Does her madness stand for the oppression of women in society as well as in tragedy?”

“For most critics of Shakespeare, Ophelia has been an insignificant minor character, touching in her weakness and madness.”

Question 2

Gertrude -

Answer 2

“Gertrude prompts violent physical and emotional reactions from the men in the story.” Rebecca Smith

“Gertrude is, more so than any other character in the play, the antithesis of her son, Hamlet. “ Amanda Mabillard

“G’s brief speeches… neither structure nor content suggest wantonness.’ Rebecca Smith

Question 3

Women - David Leverenz

Answer 3

“Hamlet’s disgust at the feminine passivity in himself is translated into violent repulsion against women.”