Women in Shakespeare's Hamlet Essay Sample

In the book, Hamlet by William Shakespeare women come across to readers as weak, passive figures used as pawns and dying for attention from men.  However, there is more to Gertrude and Ophelia than readers actually realize. Even though Hamlet is certainly not a play based on women, both female characters are more active on their beliefs and virtues that previously led us to believe. A closer look at the play reveals that the true roles these female characters took on had a purpose for these women but weren’t displayed in the play due to gender equality. Females in Hamlet to many readers were treated less than the men throughout the book. Shakespeare displayed women as being objects based on how they were treated and dominated by the men’s gender role. 

Our first take on Gertrude is that 2 learns that she is marrying her brother-in-law after her husband was murdered by him. Of course, Hamlet is mad that she didn’t wait too long to jump right back into a marriage especially with his uncle. Also, the fact that she didn’t honor her husband’s death by getting married soon after he passed. Which displays she either just married him to remain queen or they’ve had a fling going on before her previous marriage. The character Gertrude finds herself in a troubling position because she feels guilty about her son’s disappointment in her life choice yet feels there’s nothing that can be changed due to her relationship. Cladius expects his now-wife to betray his new stepson and to remain loyal to him. Throughout the book, many can say that Gertrude lacks the role of a mother but in Act 2 scene 4 she shows concern for Hamlet’s wealth and makes plans to speak to him in her chamber. Also,  in the final act when Claudius pours the harmed wine, Gertrude claims thirst whereas coming for the cup. Claudius cautions her not to drink but little does she know it was poured for Village, and as she kicks the bucket, she tells her child that the drink is harmful to him. There’s recovery for Gertrude’s desire, adolescence, and fearfulness in her give up on herself for her child. She has presently appeared, not lack of involvement, but quality and dependability. The other huge female role throughout this play is Ophelia. Ophelia is a character that comes across to readers as loyal, gentle, and well-behaved. In the end, she’s meant to be Hamlet's true love. But in the book, he barely even pays any attention to her. She is manipulated by Hamlet, who has plied her with love letters- and then (strictly for his own expedient advantage) he denies that love ever existed. Ophelia is a young girl who obeys and respects everyone and just happens to be in love with the immature Hamlet. Ophelia, unfortunately, has a horrific death and that’s what took Hamlet to realize he was in love with her. 

Female characters in Hamlet were valued and treated less than they should be. Throughout the book, Ophelia and Gertrude seem like objects to everyone around them. In the book, Hamlet has no respect for his mother due to her actions. “Hamlet sees his mother as a disgustingly sensual creature” (Women In Hamlet, n.d.). Hamlet also confronts her with an almost violent intensity and declares his intention to make her aware of the severity of her sin. Fearing for her life she cries out. I think that Hamlet is very immature and dramatic throughout this book. He never allowed his mom to be in his life due to her actions but at the same time, it’s all he has he should allow her to care for him despite her actions. I feel that it was wrong of Cladius to push Gertrude to choose between her son and her newly wedded husband who just happens to be Hamlet’s uncle. This shows the demanding role men also play throughout this story.  Ophelia also just obeys everyone’s commands throughout the book, especially her father’s.  Hamlet also accuses her of spying on him and says to her all women are “breeders of sinners” ( 3.1.5). The role-play of men throughout the book creates the women to be sinners, especially Hamlet. I feel that the women characters in this book should have not been treated this way because women are not valued less than men and that’s how this book portrayed them. I don’t think Hamlet should’ve portrayed the hatred to his mom the way he did, it’s not her fault that her husband was murdered. Due to this Gertrude’s actions created Hamlet’s hate towards women which later on affects his relationship with Ophelia throughout the book. I also feel that another reason Ophelia’s suicide was a suicide is that the fate of Denmark was on her shoulders when she’s constantly asked to spy on Hamlet, her father was also murdered by her former love. Her confusion of love between her father and brother creates her to kill herself as an act of revenge. 

To conclude, in the book Hamlet gender roles are clearly displayed throughout the play. Shakespeare displays to readers that men demonstrate a dominant role over women throughout the book. In scenes when Hamlet portrays his hatred for his mother due to her actions. By also mentioning their sinners and due to her actions he thinks she’s frail and doesn’t have a voice. Throughout the book, there are many scenes where men show the lead role. Including Ophelia, her dad and brother have complete control over her whether she’s doing her day-to-day duties or she’s being told to spy on Hamlet. In the book, Ophelia dies by accident but I truly feel now that it was on purpose because she truly had no control over her life. She committed suicide as an act of revenge. The women in this book are portrayed as frail pawns. Hamlet’s hatred for his mother causes him to mistreat Ophelia. He doesn’t realize his true feelings for her until she passes. I feel that both characters Gertrude and Ophelia had potential as characters throughout the book to turn around their appearance to readers as Shakespeare felt that men will always be dominant.