Comparison Between Hamlet and Ophelia

Comparison Between Hamlet and Ophelia

Shakespeare's play "Hamlet" is like this deep dive into what makes us human—our feelings, our minds going a bit mad sometimes, and that urge for revenge. Two characters, Hamlet and Ophelia, really stand out. They both change a lot as the story goes on, and their relationship? It’s super important to how everything plays out. In this essay, we're gonna look at how Hamlet and Ophelia are different but also kinda the same. We'll talk about their traits, how they deal with each other, and how they end up affecting one another. By comparing these two, we'll see more of what's really going on in the play.

Character Traits

Both Hamlet and Ophelia go through big changes during the play. Hamlet's got a lot going on—his dad's death really messes with him, his mom marries his uncle way too soon, and he's fighting his own thoughts too. Then there's Ophelia. She's shown as sweet but ends up being tragic. Right from the start, you can tell they're different. Hamlet’s all deep thoughts and sadness; meanwhile, Ophelia's portrayed as innocent and maybe a bit too trusting.

Approach to Love

Their love lives? Totally complicated. Hamlet's love for Ophelia is all over the place—one minute he loves her, next minute he doesn’t seem to care at all. He treats her kinda rough sometimes, which pushes her toward madness. Ophelia just follows what her dad and brother say—she doesn’t have much choice or power over her own life. Because of that obedience, she gets caught up in all these court games she never asked to play in.

A Shared Fate

But no matter their differences, they share a similar ending: both lose their minds and die tragically. For Hamlet, it’s grief and this never-ending need for revenge mixed with his big questions about life that drive him mad. With Ophelia, it's heartbreak after feeling betrayed by Hamlet that sends her over the edge. Their downfalls show just how harsh their world is—and how fragile they really are inside.

Conclusion

Looking at Hamlet and Ophelia side by side shows us more about who they are individually and together—their character development is key to the story Shakespeare tells us here. We get insights into themes like love gone wrong, madness creeping in unexpectedly, and tragic endings being somewhat inevitable in such a messed-up world. Their sad endings remind us of the world's chaos impacting them so heavily—it feels timeless because we can kinda relate even today! Ultimately comparing these two gives us some truths about humans that stick around no matter when you're reading it.

References

• Shakespeare, W., & Braunmuller A.R (Ed.). (2001). Hamlet. W.W Norton & Company.
• Mabillard, A. (2017). "Analysis of Major Characters." Shakespeare Online.
• Lamb, M., & Watson H.L (2014). “The Mind of Madness: Analyzing Hamlet.” Literature Studies Journal.
• Nuttall A.D (2007). “Why Does Tragedy Give Pleasure?” Clarendon Press.
• Kastan D.S (1999). "Introduction to Hamlet". The Arden Shakespeare Series.