Felice

Dominic Felice

Miss Skirtich

English 10: World Literature

3 October 2018

Hamlet and Ophelia’s Troubled Love Affair

All relationships go through their own troubles, but few reach the extremity of Hamlet

and Ophelia’s from Hamlet. As one of the most recognized and arguably best English writers of

all time, William Shakespeare provides readers with two lovers who experience uncommon

problems. Hamlet and Ophelia’s troubled love affair is driven by abnormal family dynamics,

self-deprecation, and distrust.

Hamlet and Ophelia’s troubled love affair is driven by abnormal family dynamics. One

instance of abnormal family dynamics comes into play when Laertes says to Ophelia, “His

greatness weighed, his will is not his own” (I.iii.20). In this quote, Laertes references Hamlet’s

royal status, and his incapability to make his own decisions and love Ophelia because of it.

Laertes effectively tells his sister of her unworthiness of Hamlet, which typically a brother takes

the action of saying the opposite. One other example of abnormal family dynamics occurs when

Polonius says, “Ay, springs to catch woodcocks” (I.iii.124). In this excerpt, he speaks of

Hamlet’s supposed love, and calls Ophelia a fool for believing it. The abnormality in this occurs

when Polonius calls his daughter a fool, and worsens the relationship because Ophelia gets

insulted for believing in Hamlet’s love. Abnormal family dynamics casus Hamlet and Ophelia’s

troubled love affair.

Additionally, Hamlet and Ophelia’s troubled love affair is driven by self-deprecation.

One case of self-deprecation coming into play happens when Hamlet expresses himself, “O,
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what a rouge and peasant slave am I!” (II.ii.577). In this quote, Hamlet talks down on himself,

for he believes himself unworthy of good things. This drives their troubled love affair because it

makes Hamlet feel unworthiness of himself for Ophelia. One other example of self-deprecation

occurs after Hamlet and Ophelia conversate and she says, “And I, of ladies most deject and

wretched, that sucked the honey of his musicked vows” (III.i.169-170). Ophelia calls herself

horrible, and she blames herself for Hamlet’s madness. This worsens their relationship because

Ophelia feels herself not good enough for Hamlet, and that if her presence causes his madness.

Self-deprecation worsens Hamlet and Ophelia’s troubled love affair.

Furthermore, Hamlet and Ophelia’s troubled love affair is driven by distrust. Shown best

when Hamlet says, “Where’s your father?” and Ophelia responds with, “At home, my lord”

(III.i.141-142). In this question and answer, Hamlet knows that Polonius spies on him, and she

lies to him. Now Hamlet considers Ophelia untrustworthy and feels betrayed by her, he treats her

horribly. A second example of distrust occurs when Polonius speaks with Ophelia, “Do not

believe his vows, for they are brokers” (I.iii.136). This causes Ophelia to not believe what

Hamlet told her, leading to her giving back his love letters, “Take these again, for to the noble

mind rich gifts wax poor when givers prove unkind” (III.i.110-111). This quote represents

Ophelia’s distrust for Hamlet’s love and causes her to reject him. Distrust contributes to Hamlet

and Ophelia’s troubled love affair.

Overall, Hamlet and Ophelia’s troubled love affair is driven by abnormal family

dynamics, self-deprecation, and distrust. Although most relationships never experience anything

as extreme as what Hamlet and Ophelia deal with, an important lesson teaches everyone.

William Shakespeare teaches through Hamlet and Ophelia that the key to a successful

relationship comes through honest communication, no matter the circumstances.