‘Frailty thy name is Woman’ - Hamlet

Hamlet’s treatment of Ophelia and Gertrude in this play is biased, as it is only based on his attitude towards Gertrude. Throughout, ‘Hamlet’, his feelings range from his cares and love for the women to hate and anger. When his actions are compared with the other male characters it can be seen whether his behaviour is from his antic disposition or a common treatment of women. Although Hamlet is unsure of the ghosts reality …

…to the point where he slaps Ophelia; his natural cruelty is portrayed here. The play shows various negative attitudes held towards the women. Both are discarded as objects, which the male counterparts dominate and control. Although many critics believe Hamlet may be protecting them at certain stages his actions are much too exaggerated. The women suffer and hide their repression as the men use them as tools, like Hamlet as part of his revenge plan.