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How does Shakespeare present Ophelia in Act 1 Scene 3?
Upon reading Act 1 Scene 3, Shakespeare leaves the character of Ophelia
somewhat a mystery
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The name Ophelia itself means both ‘help’
and ‘serpentine’ which perhaps suggests she has a conflicted personality
combining both subservience and dexterity
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Mariah Gale who takes on the role of Ophelia in the BBC adaptation of Hamlet
explained how her character lives in an “oppressive world”, however, despite this
Ophelia remains resistant and fiery
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Even though the reader could
infer that his advice is genuine and shows care, the tone of this speech could
possibly suggest it was prepared and it could easily be said that the speech shows
no concern for Ophelia’s emotions or her ability to rationalize for herself
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This speech also highlights how Ophelia has willpower as
throughout this speech Ophelia interrupts Laertes with short, sharp sentences
which question what he is saying, “No more but so?” In response to this speech
Ophelia does remain somewhat submissive to her brother’s request, her character
shows dimension as she says “Do not as some ungracious pastors do, Show me the
steep and thorny way to heaven, Whiles a puffed and reckless libertine
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This response given by Ophelia would not have been typical of
the time
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Ophelia even shows this type of tenacity towards her father who warns her in a
much more manipulative and mocking way
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When Polonius demeaningly asks Ophelia
if she “believes” in his “‘tenders’”, her response could be interpreted in several
ways
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However, an alternative interpretation could
suggest that she is simply searching for an answer that will end her father’s

criticisms
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This tone is mirrored in the last lines of the scene when she
submissively says “I shall obey, my lord
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The character of Ophelia is faced with a dilemma which forces her to chose
between the advice of her father and brother and what her instincts dictate to her
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