Hamlet

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Feminist Criticism of Hamlet

Gender inequality is a prominent issue in this time period. It is clear that there is an imbalance between the rights of women and those of men.

Characters The characters Shakespeare creates allows the reader to observe the misogynistic tendencies in this society.

Claudius

Manipulates the people around him, especially Gertrude, to achieve his goals.

Leads Gertrude to believe he is an understanding and loving step-father to Hamlet to manipulate her.

"This mad young man, but so our love." (4.1.20)

Hamlet

Hamlet seems to have a poor view on women, especially his mother.

"Frailty, thy name is woman!" (1.2.146)

Hamlet says this as a result of his mothers snap decision to marry his uncle, this leads him to believe all women are bad.

Gertrude

Portrayed as a womanwho constantly requires a male counterpart to carry on.

Follows Claudius' instructions on how to speak to Hamlet, leading to Polonius' death.

Looks to her husband for advice on how to deal with her seemingly mad son, without any direction from herself.

Immedietly marries the brother of her husband following his death. This exudes an idea of weakness in women.

Ophelia

She does not seem to have her own free will. She is portrayed as a character who is extremely obedient to the men in her life.

Ophelia is taken advantage of by her father to spy on Hamlet.

"Your loneliness. We are oft to blame in this, 'Tis too much proved, that with devotions visage, And pious action we do sugar o'er The devil himself." (3.1.48)

When asked to stop her relationship with Hamlet, she replies "I shall obey, my lord." (1.3.142)

This shows that she is unable to make for herself. Her father has made the decision to cut out the lord for her.