"On Ophelia's Madness" - Hamlet

In Carroll Camden's article "On Ophelia's madness", I do agree with his argument about the circumstances of Ophelia's madness. I agree when the author quotes, "No girl becomes insane because her father dies, least of all Ophelia." It is very important to stress the idea that it didn't take her losing her father to go crazy, it was her constant manipulation by the men around her and the loss prospects after Polonius is no longer there to tell her what to do. She is also very love sick after Hamlet declares his love for her but shortly turns on her and says "I did love you once... You should not have believed me... I loved you not." The author turns and also adds that "... Polonius' prescripts have their effect on Ophelia too... the appearance of Hamlet's pretended madness is contrasted with the reality of Ophelia's madness."

I think that Ophelia's role allows better understanding of Hamlet's complex personality. Ophelia also highlights key themes of the play, including corruption, patriarchy and deception. In addition, Ophelia mirrors Hamlet's flaws. Like him, when faced with something she never takes actions, only reacts to the actions of others. Instead of saving herself when the branch snapped and fell in the river, she does nothing. The terrible realizations Hamlet makes when he hears of Ophelia's deceitfulness is what causes him to emotionally abuse his mother Gertrude, another woman he loves. Also, Polonius never advises Ophelia to be true to herself like he wishes on his son Laertes. This shows how she is subject to the double standard between male and females about lack of freedom of choice and action within the time period. All together, Ophelia clearly just adds more depth to the themes of the play.