Activity 1.4
Question: Did Hamlet truly love Ophelia?
Thesis: Hamlet was truly in love with Ophelia.
Reason: Hamlet’s love for Ophelia is proven by his actions
Ex: He writes her a poem addressed as follows
“To the celestial, and my soul’s idol, the most beautified Ophelia”. (Shakespeare, 105)
Ex: After not having seen Ophelia for quite some time, Hamlet seeks her in her bedchamber
“He took me by the wrist and held me hard. Then goes he to the length of all his arm, And, with his other hand thus o’er his brow, He falls to such perusal of my face as he would draw it. Long stayed he so. At last, a little shaking of mine arm And thrice his head thus waving up and down, He raised a sigh so piteous and profound As it did seem to shatter all his bulk And end his being. That done, he lets me go, And, with his head over his shoulder turned, He seemed to find his way without his eyes, For out o’ doors he went without their helps, And to the last bended their light on me”. (Shakespeare, 100)
Reason: Hamlet’s love for Ophelia is proven by his words
Ex: When Ophelia and Hamlet meet in the hall Hamlet expresses the fact that he did love her
“I did love you once”. (Shakespeare, 126)
Ex: When Hamlet discovers that Ophelia is the body that is being put to the grave he strongly expresses his feelings.
“I loved Ophelia. Forty thousand brothers Could not with all their quantity of love Make up my sum.” (Shakespeare, 187)
Reason: Ophelia’s own opinion, as the receiver of this love
Ex: She tells her father in which fashion she as received Hamlets love
“My Lord, he hath importuned me with love In honorable fashion”. (Shakespeare, 84)
Ex: When Ophelia betrays Hamlet, she reflects upon what harm she has done him, which indicates that she believes him to be heartbroken.
“And I, of ladies most deject and wretched, That sucked the honey of his music vows Now see that noble and most sovereign reason Like sweet bells jangled, out of tune and harsh; That unmatched form and feature of blown youth Blasted with ecstasy”. (Shakespeare, 127)
