Describe Ophelia’s character and Gertrude’s character, and show their similarities and differences, explaining what type of character each is and what you like and do not like about each of them.

Ophelia is the most innocent character in Hamlet, and most of her actions result from others’ influence. For instance, she is forced to end her romantic relationship with Hamlet by her father’s order: “I shall obey, my lord” (Shakespeare I, iii). The death of Polonius from her lover’s hand drives Ophelia insane and results in her losing her innocence by committing suicide.

In contrast, Gertrude builds her love life the way she wants and displays strong character and critical thinking: “This is the very coinage of your brain. This bodiless creation ecstasy; Is very cunning in” (Shakespeare III, iv). The queen is also very committed to her family and children; however, her motives to marry Claudius and betray Hamlet are unclear, and the cruelties between men could also beat her innocence the same way it happened to Ophelia.

I like Ophelia’s naive character, which smoothed the tough conflicts, and Gertrude’s willingness to influence the events also emphasize me.

Answer by Academic.tip's expert
An answer to this question is provided by one of our experts who specializes in literature. Let us know how much you liked it and give it a rating.

Cite this page

Select a citation style:

References

Academic.Tips. (2023) 'Describe Ophelia’s character and Gertrude’s character, and show their similarities and differences, explaining what type of character each is and what you like and do not like about each of them'. 7 May.

Reference

Academic.Tips. (2023, May 7). Describe Ophelia’s character and Gertrude’s character, and show their similarities and differences, explaining what type of character each is and what you like and do not like about each of them. https://academic.tips/question/describe-ophelias-character-and-gertrudes-character-and-show-their-similarities-and-differences-explaining-what-type-of-character-each-is-and-what-you-like-and-or-do-not-like-about/

References

Academic.Tips. 2023. "Describe Ophelia’s character and Gertrude’s character, and show their similarities and differences, explaining what type of character each is and what you like and do not like about each of them." May 7, 2023. https://academic.tips/question/describe-ophelias-character-and-gertrudes-character-and-show-their-similarities-and-differences-explaining-what-type-of-character-each-is-and-what-you-like-and-or-do-not-like-about/.

1. Academic.Tips. "Describe Ophelia’s character and Gertrude’s character, and show their similarities and differences, explaining what type of character each is and what you like and do not like about each of them." May 7, 2023. https://academic.tips/question/describe-ophelias-character-and-gertrudes-character-and-show-their-similarities-and-differences-explaining-what-type-of-character-each-is-and-what-you-like-and-or-do-not-like-about/.


Bibliography


Academic.Tips. "Describe Ophelia’s character and Gertrude’s character, and show their similarities and differences, explaining what type of character each is and what you like and do not like about each of them." May 7, 2023. https://academic.tips/question/describe-ophelias-character-and-gertrudes-character-and-show-their-similarities-and-differences-explaining-what-type-of-character-each-is-and-what-you-like-and-or-do-not-like-about/.

Work Cited

"Describe Ophelia’s character and Gertrude’s character, and show their similarities and differences, explaining what type of character each is and what you like and do not like about each of them." Academic.Tips, 7 May 2023, academic.tips/question/describe-ophelias-character-and-gertrudes-character-and-show-their-similarities-and-differences-explaining-what-type-of-character-each-is-and-what-you-like-and-or-do-not-like-about/.

Copy