Hamlet's View on Women and Its Impact on His Future

In class, we have briefly discussed about Hamlet’s views toward women. So far only two women, Queen Gertrude and Ophelia, have stood out as the significant women in Hamlet’s life. Therefore, we will first analyze Hamlet’s views on Gertrude, his mother. We have learned in the beginning of the play that Gertrude committed incest by marrying Hamlet’s uncle. (In the Elizabethan Era, marrying one’s brother-in-law was condemned as incest.) Hence, Hamlet looks down on his mother and morally judges her in a negative manner. For instance, he sarcastically remarks to his mother “Ay, madam, it is common” (9). The word “common” connotes vulgarity in this context so Hamlet uses this particular diction to express his disdain for her. In other words, Hamlet is calling his mother vulgar and sinful. Moreover, he attacks his mother’s character by passionately exclaiming “Frailty, thy name is woman” (11). Hamlet disapproves of his mother because she shows weakness in character and judgment. He even manages to call her a “beast” that is illogical and “wicked” (11). It seems very unusual that Hamlet has such negative feelings for his mother despite the fact that they are related by flesh and blood. In my opinion, Hamlet’s rejection of his own kin foreshadows a disruption within his state of mind. He is suddenly overcome with such intense and harsh emotions toward his mother that he fails to maintain his sanity. By focusing only on the negative aspects of his life, Hamlet will most likely be driven to obsession of revenge and disregard for all other women. Speaking of other women, Ophelia seems like a very important individual to Hamlet. We know that Hamlet and Ophelia are lovers but we are not aware of the depth of their relationship. Nevertheless, it seems that Hamlet has a good opinion towards Ophelia but I sense an emptiness/doubt in their relationship. I noticed that Hamlet does not speak or think of Ophelia during the whole first act. Yet, I do not doubt that there SEEMS to be an affection between them. For instance, Ophelia has stated that Hamlet “made many tenders/Of his affection” to her which confirms their relationship (18). However, I still cannot suppress this feeling of doubt over Hamlet’s affection for Ophelia. He has already made his opinion clear on women when he quoted “Frailty, thy name is woman”. Also, what will happen when Hamlet learns that Ophelia will not speak to him because of her father’s command? Will he condemn her as a weak woman for following her father’s orders? (I think Ophelia’s father knows about Claudius’s sins which will further exacerbate Hamlet’s opinions toward Ophelia.) I predict that Hamlet will be disappointed with Ophelia’s obedience to Claudius’s right hand man that he will be driven more to seek revenge. He might feel that he has been rejected by all the people he previously loved, Gertrude and Ophelia. Therefore, he might think all blame goes to Claudius deepening his dangerous obsession. It seems evident to me that Hamlet’s views on women will worsen. Without a woman’s love (motherly or romantic), Hamlet be unable to control his reckless actions and thoughts.