Hamlet, whether or not they are the fresh protagonist of the play, is not necessarily the only guy whom abused an extremely acquiescent Ophelia – each other Polonius and Laertes broken Ophelia’s attitude, and you can established inside her a fear of guys. At the beginning of next song, Ophelia starts with a statement on her character in people, vocal, “ The next day was Saint Valentine’s day, / All-in the brand new morning betime, / And i a maid at your screen, / To be all of our Valentine” (IV.v.48-51). Ophelia is based from inside the a patriarchal community in which she actually is pressured to help you fear boys always, while the words, “I a housemaid at the windows” (IV.v.50) reveals the girl behavior along with her commitment in order to men total. Ophelia try swept up into the bars of public constructs, the challenges to-be very well sane, becoming acquiescent and end up being liked by one, so you’re able to follow their father and you may cousin – and she need worry the results if she does not. Read more