a word from our sponsors

See the new shakespeare.com. This feature, while it still provides useful information, is no longer maintained.

Replies | Post Reply | Shakespeare Queries From Genuinely Interested Students 4.2.97: Top | Help

Ophelia's Importance in Act IV

Hamlet is physically absent from Act IV, but is present in spirit. Ophelia is his surrogate. Like him, she dresses in a dishevelled manner, wanders in an "antic disposition", sings snatches of old songs, and makes challenging, deeply unsettling remarks to Gertrude ("How should I your true love know from another one?") and Claudius ("You must wear your rue with a difference"). Like a crazed Cassandra, she predicts by implication the fall and ruin of the Royal Family of Denmark.

Posted by Charles Weinstein on April 19, 1997 at 08:29:10
 In Reply to "Importance of Ophelia" posted by Hamlet's Friend on April 16, 1997 at 16:33:17


 Replies


 Post a Reply

Name
E-mail
Reply in brief

Reply at length
 
 
(Note: line breaks
  will be preserved)
   
Optional Section (if desired, please fill out before submitting your reply)
Site URL
Site Name
Image URL

Replies | Post Reply | Shakespeare Queries From Genuinely Interested Students 4.2.97: Top | Help