Hamlet

Hamlet

Keeping Gertrude's description in mind, how is Ophelia's madness and the manner of her death an apt metaphor for the evil evident throughout the court?

Asked by
Last updated by Aslan
Answers 1
Add Yours

The minute that Claudius kills his brother, "The primal eldest curse" causes chaos in Denmark.  Ophelia goes mad, Hamlet acts mad, Laertes is crazy with vengeance, Claudius is guilt ridden....Claudius's sin is dragging all the characters down like Ophelia's garments are drawn into the mud. As is with most Shakespeare's tragedies, the main characters are slowly drowning in the chaos of their tragic flaws.    

 

And mermaid-like a while they bore her up, Which time she chanted snatches of old lauds As one incapable of her own distress, Or like a creature native and indued Unto that element. But long it could not be Till that her garments, heavy with their drink, Pulled the poor wretch from her melodious lay To muddy death.