Ophelia's character is one of much controversy-- no one is quite sure exactly how Shakespeare intended to portray her. Some say she's innocent, compliant, and naive, while others argue she's clever and sometimes even defiant.
In the following portrayal of Act 1, Scene 3, Ophelia strikes me as cooperative and submissive. She loves Hamlet, but she doesn't argue with what her brother tells her. In fact, the news seems to distress her, as if she completely believes what she's being told.
However, in this next clip, Ophelia is depicted as being more capable of thinking for herself. She still listens to what her brother tells her, but is also ready to turn the tables and prove that she's not oblivious to the fact that Laertes is being totally hypocritical.
So who is Ophelia? Innocent, or obstinate? Compliant, or defiant? How do you think Shakespeare meant to portray her?
Dear Friend Eliana,
ReplyDeleteHello this is your friend David! I agree with you on how each actress...acts Ophelia. In the more old-time (obviously higher budget) one Ophelia is definitely more submissive and docile, yet in the other one she is more energetic and capable. To me personally I feel Ophelia should be more like the energetic actress. I perceive her as an innocent, yet defiant person. So, with that I think that the second, more energetic actress had a much better approach to Ophelia than the other one. These are my thoughts, yet I don't know where you stand on this issue. However, I can say both you and I agree on how each Ophelia is portrayed and I respect your decision.
From,
Friend David
Eliana, I think that this blog post is great! You did an excellent job explaining how the actresses portrayed Ophelia in the different movies of Hamlet. I agree with many of the statements that you made. I think that the point you made about how nobody is right or wrong about the portrayal of Ophelia is a very good point because we do not truly know exactly what Shakespeare would want Ophelia to be like. Everyone has different interpretations of Ophelia, and she is a controversial character that can be acted out in many different ways. I agree with your ideas about how Ophelia is shown in the two different depictions of her in the Hamlet movies. Overall, I think that the post is great, and you have some really great ideas about Ophelia and Shakespeare’s intentions of her.
ReplyDeleteHi Eliana!
ReplyDeleteLet me just start off with saying that I loved your first sentence! I never thought of why so many people interpret Ophelia in so many ways. I also found your comments on the clips of different actresses playing Ophelia very interesting, especially since I has the opposite opinion. You did an excellent job of stating your opinion. However, I would have loved to read about what you thought of Ophelia actually in "Hamlet." Other than that, great job :)
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