Manipulation of Ophelia
Manipulation occurs everywhere in the world. It is both a subject of reality, and of literature. In literary works, characters with certain characteristics are more likely to be manipulated. These traits are with the character in the beginning of the story, which make it easier for individuals to take advantage of them. In Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, Ophelia (daughter of Polonius, the kings advisor) is
an example of a character that exhibits these characteristics: During Elizabethan times woman were treated lower in society and Ophelia being a female could be a factor in people manipulating her. Additionally Ophelia is obedient towards Polonius, Hamlet (protagonist), and Laertes (brother). Furthermore her lack of intelligence and her inability to make decisions also allows people to manipulate her. Shakespeare portrays Ophelia as a weak character and certainly her characteristics contribute to her manipulation.
Ophelia’s lack of intelligence and her inability to make decisions, allow her to become more vulnerable to manipulation. Since she is unable to make decisions for herself, she allows people to do so for her. During the first act of the play we are introduced to Laertes and Ophelia, the children of Polonius. Just before Laertes leaves for France he advises his sister about her relationship with Hamlet, For Hamlet and the trifling of his favor,/ Hold it a fashion and a toy in blood,/ A violet in the youth of primary nature,/ forward not permanent, sweet not lasting./ The perfume and suppliance of a minute;/ No more. [Ophelia] No more but so? [Laertes] Think it no more; […] Perhaps he loves you now, […] but you must fear,/ His greatness weighed, his will is not his own;/ For he himself is subject to his birth: […] Be wary, then; best safety lies in fear; Youth to itself rebels, though none else near. [Ophelia] I shall the effect of this good lesson keep/ As watchmen to my heart. (I. iii. 6-11, 13, 17, 19-21,...