vile and untrustworthy creatures.Ophelia, Hamlet's true love, is doomed in her relationship from the moment Hamlet takes on the task of revenge. She is unknowingly used in the plot against Hamlet by her father and brother who are supposed to protect her but instead they use her and therefore open a way for Hamlets hate and disappointment to direct at her. As he thinks that she has betrayed him just like he thought his mother had done, although she did so unwillingly.To understand Hamlets treatment of Ophelia its essential to look at Hamlets hatred towards his mother. Because of his mothers marriage to his uncle, Hamlet is scarred for life in his relationship towards women. When Hamlet comes to Ophelia at her bedroom, acting all “love” mad, he gets his confirmation (in his opinion) that all women are treacherous and can not be trusted. But Ophelia is also important to give us insight into Hamlets behaviour towards everyone else. She is just a nave, innocent young girl who doesn’t really understand how to help her lover.“If she had been an Imogen, a Cordelia, even a Porita or a Juliet, the story must have taken another shape. Hamlet would either have been stimulated to do his duty, or (which is more likely) he would have gone mad, or (which is likeliest) he would have killed himself in despair.” (Dawson.IV,135)She makes it possible for us to get more insight in Hamlets mind. How Hamlet can’t develope his love and forgiveness. She is one of the reasons that these eight persons die in the play, although her participation in the main plot against Hamlet is not voluntary. So if Hamlet would have had a “stronger” woman to support him, this play would have developed in a completely different way.Probably even ended in a “good” way but that would be taking the whole meaning of this play away wouldn’t it?...
