s225097478 Hamlet Essay.docx

A blue background with white text Description automatically generated Name: Sonwabile Mbelekana Student number: 225097478 Module Code: LLEV 222 Lecturer: Mr Matthews Due Date: 16 September 2024 Hamlet: The description of Hamlet by Ophelia to her father, Polonius. I understand that plagiarism...

A blue background with white text Description automatically generated Name: Sonwabile Mbelekana Student number: 225097478 Module Code: LLEV 222 Lecturer: Mr Matthews Due Date: 16 September 2024 Hamlet: The description of Hamlet by Ophelia to her father, Polonius. I understand that plagiarism is the presentation of someone else's ideas as my own. These ideas or words can come from a classmate, an ex-student, an encyclopedia, a book, a journal, a magazine, a newspaper, the Internet, or even a pamphlet. When I have consulted such sources, they have been carefully and fully acknowledged, both in my assignment and on my Reference Page. I have not plagiarised in this assignment. I understand that if I am found to have committed plagiarism, I will have to face disciplinary action. Full Name: Sonwabile Mbelekana Due Date: 16 September 2024 The description of Hamlet by Ophelia to her father, Polonius. The play *The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark (1623)* stands as one of the most important pieces of literature and art ever produced. The main focus of William Shakespeare\'s play is on Hamlet, the prince of Denmark, as he delves into the mystery of his father\'s death. The drama includes in-depth discussions on death, vengeance, destiny, psychological disorders, self-inflicted death, and ethics. The deepness of the plot and complexity of the characters attract audiences' attention constantly. Hamlet is the most mysterious character in Shakespeare's play. He is irritable and acts unreasonably. Thus, he has confused audiences and critics for generations. Understanding the character of Hamlet is essential in explaining the play, which will improve the respect of the literary work by using metaphors and character descriptions. The tragedy of Hamlet is one of the greatest tragedies by Shakespeare. After political turmoil in Denmark, Hamlet returns home to find that his mother has married his uncle Claudius, who is taking over his position as the new King of Denmark, and that his father has passed away. Apart from to being hurt by their union, Hamlet\'s obsession with vengeance grows after learning from his father\'s ghost that his own brother killed him. This essay will discuss the description of Hamlet by Ophelia to her father, Polonius, focusing on his clothing, body language, actions, mannerisms, and gestures. Themes such as madness, love, hatred, revenge, moral corruption, and despair are expertly employed in the novel, making it a highly character-driven piece in English literature history. One of the most emotional and perceptive moments in William Shakespeare's play occurs when Ophelia shares with her father, Polonius, the troubling interaction she had with Hamlet. This meeting takes place in Act 2 scene 1 and is extremely important in defining the character. Act 2 Scene 1 does not only portray Hamlet's psychological chaos but also shares the reason behind his motives. Through Ophelia's in-depth description of Hamlet's demeanour, behaviour, and his clothing sense presents him as a person who is at the edge of mental illness and caught in a severe emotional and existential crisis. The description that Ophelia provides to her father about Hamlet is distinct and marked by the prominence description of his appearance and his behaviour, which is a reflection of his inner state which was disturbed after finding out the truth about his father's death. When Ophelia first sees Hamlet, she notices that *" his doublet all unbraced; No hat upon his head; his stockings fouled,"(Shakespeare 2.1.78-79),* indicating that his jacket is unbuttoned, meaning he is not well dressed. The way Hamlet is portrayed in this scene provides a vivid image of complete disorder. In the Elizabethan era, clothes were a symbol of social status, showcasing the difference between the poor and the wealthy class. Individuals were respected based on how they dressed and portrayed themselves in public. So, Hamlet, being a prince, meant that he was expected by his social status to be dressed in a dignified and composed manner at all times. His sudden change of clothing and appearance indicates how Hamlet has lost control over his emotional state and well-being, allowing his inner chaos to spill out his physical appearance. Ophelia's meeting with Hamlet not only focuses on his physical appearance but also focuses on his body language and actions. After describing his appearance to her father, she goes on to describe how Hamlet approached her silently grabbed her wrist, and pinned her against the wall staring at her for a long period of time. *"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 stay'd he so*"(*Shakespeare 2.1.87-90*). Staring at Ophelia for a long period of time might be that he is remembering the times were he fully trusted her and loved her wholeheartedly and now he is realising that he cannot fully trust anyone especially women because of his mother. This distrust of women that Hamlet is feeling confuses his feelings towards Ophelia, changing from affection to cruelty. Since Ophelia is unaware of Hamlet's plan, she is concerned about him. The description that she provides of Hamlet's action is unusual and ambiguous, leaving room for many speculations. Ophelia is used to Hamlet's usual eloquence and charismatic behaviour; she is now shocked by this kind of behaviour. Her initial thought was that maybe Hamlet has gone mad because of his love for her since she has followed her father's instructions to distance herself from him. Ophelia's decision to tell her father about her meeting with Hamlet is influenced by various causes. At first it is clear that she is concerned about Hamlet's well-being. Her description of his appearance and behaviour is filled with sympathy and fear. She uses words such as "piteous" and "profound" to describe Hamlet's grief which are a clear indication that she truly cares for him and is concerned about what has caused his sudden change of behaviour. Besides being in love with Hamlet, Ophelia is still caught in the middle of obeying her father or being with Hamlet.\ The second reason why Ophelia decided to confide in her father is because it was her duty to do so. Early in the play, Polonius instructs Ophelia to distance herself from Hamlet, describing his feelings no more than *"springes to catch woodcocks*" *(Shakespeare 1.3.115*). Ophelia being obedient and following her father's instructions, avoids contact with Hamlet. She is determined to keep her father's word and tells him about Hamlet's unusual behaviour and seeks advice on what to make of this situation that he is in. In conclusion, Ophelia\'s description of Hamlet to Polonius sheds light on the character\'s emotional turmoil. Her account portrays Hamlet as a man dealing with loss, wrath, and confusion, resulting in his untidy look and erratic behaviour. Ophelia\'s description highlights her internal battle between Hamlet\'s sorrow and her obligation to her father. The play\'s tragedy is driven by Polonius\' reaction to the description, which leads to subsequent misunderstandings and manipulations. Polonius exploits Ophelia\'s remarks, emphasising the devastating repercussions of miscommunication and manipulation in Hamlet. Also, Polonius's curiosity ends up to him being mistakenly murdered in the place of the new king, Claudius because he was at the wrong place at the wrong time and how grief can forever change a person's behaviour. [Reference] Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Act 2, Scene 1. The Folger Shakespeare Library, Simon & Schuster, 2003.