The Delicate, Wilted Flower-The Role of Ophelia in Hamlet

The classic tragedy Hamlet, is a story of a prince and the dysfunction experienced after the death of his father. After discovering his father was murdered by his uncle Claudius, Hamlet’s life, along with the lives of those around him, began to spiral into a tangled web. Never is this more apparent than in the case of Ophelia. However subtle, Ophelia plays a significant role riddled with control, grief, and vulnerability. Ophelia can be …

…could she find relief. Priest Ophelia’s young, naïve mind, was constantly being manipulated and controlled. Her character is among the most tragic of them all. She was like a lost, innocent, child being bullied by emotionally stronger people than she. Her lack of confidence and strength, fueled by all the men in her life, lead her to madness and a disgraceful death she did not deserve. This is the sad character of Ophelia.