Hamlet+1.3

Hamlet 1.3

5. Ophelia- In this scene we are introduced to Ophelia. She is Laertes sister and Polonius' daughter. We do not learn a lot about her in this scene or hear her point of view because she doesn't have a lot of dialogue in comparison to her brother and father. She seems timid and it seems like she obeys her families rules all the time. I don't like how she is treated in this scene. Laertes and Polonius treat her like a child. The entire scene she is only getting either yelled at or given advice. We only hear about her connection with Hamlet through her dad and brother, from the rumors which they have heard. Polonius basically calls her stupid for believing anything Hamlet tells her and says that he is using her. Ophelia seems to be shy and quiet. She dutifully agrees to listen to all of the advice she is given in this scene. It does not seem like Ophelia has her own opinions or personality.

2. I think the significance of this scene is to show the relationship between Ophelia, Polonius, and Laertes. It shows each person's standing in the family and shows how their family interacts. I think it is interesting looking at both of the families. When looking at Hamlet's family in previous scene, the whole time is basically Hamlet getting advice from his family. His mother and uncle are trying to tell him that he should not go to Wittenberg and that he should stay in Denmark. In this scene it is really Ophelia receiving advice the whole time. I think these families are similar in this aspect. I think both Hamlet and Ophelia are a little unsure of themselves. Neither of them stick up for themselves and just take what they are given by their families. This is a good introduction to the family and it shows the familial ties in the play. I believe it is a good addition to the play and that the play would lose this aspect with out it.

7. I am Ophelia. I am so confused! I do not know what to do. I really enjoy spending time with Hamlet and I really like him. He is telling me how much he likes me and backing it up with vows which makes it even harder! My brother and father are telling me it is all fake. They are saying he doesn't actualy care about me. I don't know what to believe! My father has told me I can not be spending more time with Hamlet. It is so hard because I know I have to follow my family's rules and honor them but I want to see Hamlet so badly! I miss spending time with him and hearing about his love for me. I have never felt so wanted by someone because I am always treated like a child by my family. He respects me and appreciates me which is why I want to see him so badly! Everything is so confusing right now. I want to see him and I believe it is real but my family forbids me and says he is only using me. It is so hard!