Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Does Hamlet Love Ophelia?

Yes and No.
No I'm not avoiding the question, I can explain.

Hamlet believes he loves Ophelia, so in one way yes he "loves" her. He is infatuated with her and clearly wants to be with her. At first glance, one would assume that Hamlet was in love with Ophelia.

HOWEVER! Based on Hamlet's generalization of women and the fact that he also loves his mother, one could draw that he is showing her affection as a substitute foe Gertrude. After all he must know that hitting on his mother probably wouldn't go over well amongst the people (and it would be awkward).
Also, since Hamlet loves his mother as well as Ophelia, you could say that he doesn't legitimately love either of them. From experience I can say that this looks much like a high school relationship. The word "love" is used lightly, and thrown around FAR too much, also the ones saying it hardly ever know what it means. When you have to think about, "well do I love her, or do I love her?" You don't love either. You shouldn't be torn between two people and you shouldn't have to make a decision and hope you made the right one.

I rambled a little bit...but NO, he doesn't love her.

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