Gertrude and ophelia

Ophelia

Young noblewoman, Hamlet’s love interest, Polonius’s daughter, Laertes’s sister, representing innocence corrupted by societal pressures.

Key Quote - Ophelia

“I shall obey, my lord.” (Act 1, Scene 3) – Reflects her submission to her father, Polonius.

Critical Interpretation - Ophelia

Elaine Showalter: Views Ophelia as a “female insanity” symbol, whose madness reflects society’s repression of women.

• Lee Edwards: Argues that “we can imagine Hamlet’s story without Ophelia, but Ophelia has no story without Hamlet,” highlighting her dependency on male figures for narrative presence.

• Rebecca Smith: Considers Ophelia a victim of the male characters’ control, emphasizing her limited agency.

Production Note - Ophelia (Olivier’s 1948 Film)

Jean Simmons portrays Ophelia as fragile and childlike, emphasizing her innocence and vulnerability.

Kenneth Branagh’s 1996 Film: Kate Winslet’s Ophelia becomes increasingly unhinged, her descent into madness vividly physical, mirroring her psychological breakdown.

• National Theatre (2010): Director Nicholas Hytner portrays Ophelia as more actively resisting her oppression, adding subtle signs of agency and resentment.

Gertrude

Queen of Denmark, Hamlet’s mother, Claudius’s wife, embodying complexities of loyalty, guilt, and maternal love.

Key Quote - Gertrude

“Frailty, thy name is woman!” (Act 1, Scene 2) – Hamlet’s expression of his view on Gertrude’s perceived weaknesses.

“Good Hamlet, cast thy nighted color off, And let thine eye look like a friend on Denmark.” Act 1 scene 2

“The lady doth protest too much, methinks.” Act 3, Scene 2. During the play-within-a-play, Gertrude comments on the Player Queen’s strong vows of fidelity.

“O Hamlet, speak no more! Thou turn’st mine eyes into my very soul, And there I see such black and grained spots As will not leave their tinct.” closet scene

“Mad as the sea and wind when both contend Which is the mightier.” Act 4, Scene 1.

Critical Interpretation - Gertrude

• Carolyn Heilbrun: Sees Gertrude as strong and pragmatic, whose actions are motivated by survival and political wisdom rather than weakness.

• Janet Adelman: Argues Gertrude is central to Hamlet’s conflict, viewing her as a projection of Hamlet’s own fears and obsessions, especially regarding female sexuality.

• David Leverenz: Suggests Gertrude’s presence represents Hamlet’s ambivalence about motherhood, and her sexuality is a source of tension for him.

Production Note - Gertrude (National Theatre 2010)

Directed by Nicholas Hytner, Clare Higgins’s Gertrude is portrayed as sensual and somewhat complicit, showcasing her guilt and ambiguity

.Olivier’s 1948 Film: Eileen Herlie’s Gertrude is more naive, portrayed as sincerely affectionate and unaware of Claudius’s guilt.

• Kenneth Branagh’s 1996 Film: Julie Christie’s Gertrude is more dignified and complex, with an ambiguous relationship to Claudius, leaving room for interpretation regarding her guilt or innocence.

Key Quote - Ophelia

“I shall obey, my lord.” (Act 1, Scene 3) – This quote reflects Ophelia's submission to her father, Polonius, highlighting her internal conflict and lack of agency within a patriarchal society. It underscores the pressures exerted on her by male figures in her life and illustrates her struggle between personal desire and societal expectations.