Compare different possible readings Essay

Compare different possible readings of the characters of Gertrude and Ophelia. What impact would different interpretations have on the play as a whole? You might like in particular to consider what difference would be made to a production of the play if the female characters were presented as strong in themselves, or as weak and in the control of others. What would be your preferred reading? Why? It is inarguable that the two females with most influence throughout ‘Hamlet’ are Ophelia and Gertrude, they are, after all, the only females! Their position as the only two women in the play immediately marks them out as non-typical characters; ‘Hamlet’ is a play centred around a struggle for the throne of Denmark, and the fact that the strength and influence of these characters is a matter of some debate adds to the complexities that make ‘Hamlet’ the play that it is. Two fairly major characters within the play posses a seemingly small influence upon the eventual outcome. The characters have, at first glance, little effect upon the major events of the play, and it is only through their interaction with the male cast that they have any real influence. This is what makes the question of the strength of their character such a pivotal one; it is very easy to portray them as weak, and under the influence of their male peers, but if they are perceived as strong characters, it may become apparent that, through manipulation of the men around them, they have far more influence on proceedings than was first assumed. Often, particular in mid 20th century interpretations of the play, Ophelia is portrayed as a very weak character, fulfilling the basic role of women of her time; following the will of her father, and waiting on the words of her sometime ‘lover’, Hamlet. The relationship with between them is one of the defining points of the debate over Ophelia being weak (or not). This is particularly the case when considering the issue of her refusal of hamlet’s advances. When portrayed as weak, Ophelia is often visibly scared of hamlet when he is in the depths of his apparent madness. Her confusion at Hamlets reaction to her returning his ‘remembrances’ is an adequate demonstration of Ophelia fulfilling her role as an ear for the male characters to speak to. In this role she is little more than a plot device, with her death being the catalyst for the eventual conclusion of the play. If, however, Ophelia’s role is interpreted as that of a strong, and intelligent woman, the situation is suddenly rendered almost entirely different; whereas before, it would be assumed Ophelia was acting against her will, due to her father, either ending the relationship unwillingly, or ending a non-existent relationship (pretending that she was involved with Hamlet, when in fact she was not) in order to further her father’s pursuit of Claudius’ favour, she is now acting for herself, and ending her liaisons with hamlet for a personal motive. She is no longer confused and afraid of Hamlet’s reaction; merely playing out the role she feels she must. A differ Ophelia may still be seen as being influenced by those around her, this time she is following advice though, Laertes having already warned her of the fickle nature of Hamlet. In this case, she is merely taking matters into her own hands, and acting out of her own self interest, thereby asserting herself as a character who interacts with those around her, compared to merely taking orders and passing messages.