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Explore Shakespeare's presentation of Ophelia. As one of only two women in the play, it is perhaps surprising that Ophelia's character is presented as being so very unsubstantial and passive. In particular, Ophelia fails to express any points of view and her only clear emotions are fear (after Hamlet's reported visit to her) and regret (at Hamlet's rejection of her). Furthermore, she never demands any freedom, nor questions Polonius' curt and misplaced instructions. Notably, Ophelia not only appears to have little understanding of Hamlet's madness, but no curiosity into its cause. Like Gertrude, Ophelia has no soliloquy in which she can confide her true thoughts and feelings, which is a pity as it detracts from her character as a whole. Shakespeare achieves this deliberately of course; however, it raises the question as to why Hamlet should have been attracted to her, if indeed he ever was. Although there is no textual...

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