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The Ophelia painting needs to be viewed from far away, to see the entire image, and from up close, to not only see but experience the minute detail. Its implied through several of Ophelias songs, the one you mentioned, and her one just before that where she sings Let in the maid, that out a maid / Never departed more (4.5.54-55). I like the way that you wrote about Ophelia singing as her madness. "Describe the fate of Ophelia, as reported by Gertrude at the end of act 4." The second is Hamlet himself, who promised much to Ophelia, and whom Ophelia has probably has sex with. What Does the Ophelia Painting Symbolize? Hamlet ridiculed her and her father, Im assuming a person closest to her as there is no mention of a mother, dies unexpectingly. It is important to note that Ophelia was also closely associated with flowers, and certain flowers held symbolic meanings. This line directly references an older man and because of this detail, Poloniuss death has obviously taken its toll on Ophelias psyche, causing her to spout such wild and woeful songs. SARAH: That's right, Ralph part of what makes this scene so poignant is that Ophelia no longer belongs anywhere among the living her father is dead, and her lover has been brutally unkind to her it's not clear what her future would have been had her life not ended here. In the begining of the play Ophelia knows that Hamlet loves her yet decides to keep her distance because her brother tells her to. Over all, your post cleared up some misconceptions for me and went in depth on a character I would have liked to discuss more in class. In a fit of anger, Hamlet impulsively kills the man behind the curtain, thinking it was Claudius. Yet here she is allowed her virgin crants, Her maiden strewments, and the bringing home Of bell and burial. Both of Ophelias hands are floating just above the water, her palms are facing up and her hands appear cupped. There is a briar rose bush with white blooms more towards the middle background, and to its left (our right) are either the teasel flowering plant or meadowsweet flowers. As daughter of the Kings Chief Chamberlain, she is part of the Queens Court Ladies. It is interesting to analyze this scene to see that both her fathers death and Hamlets act led to her madness. what are As youve done, its important to recognize that Ophelia is obviously mourning her father, and with great reason (he was indeed a vital figure in her life, especially considering she hadnt been married yet). She and her husband Thomas Combe were both friends as well as promoters of the pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood art, comparing the conditions as a greater punishment to a murderer than hanging. We both wrote about Ophelia! Fly high, lovely spirit, Hersl Dana.. Latest answer posted December 25, 2020 at 10:45:45 AM. Latest answer posted December 18, 2020 at 11:36:35 AM. Gertrude reports that she fell into the brook and that her clothes became heavy with water and pulled her under. But sometimes that just don't matter. Wiltshire. The philosophical themes that dominate the soliloquy are concerned with the I think that youre absolutely right in saying that Ophelias insanity is caused by a combination of Poloniuss death and Hamlets spurning of her, and murder of her father. The painting Ophelia (18511852) by John Everett Millais explores several themes, from death, love, life, madness, and nature. This can also be conveyed through various other elements like color, shapes, and the scale of objects, as well as how much detail is depicted, which is noticeable in Millaiss Ophelia painting. Elizabethan Popular Theatre: Plays in Performance. Even the priest questions her Christian burial, since suicides are not supposed to be laid in hallowed ground. Furthermore, Ophelias skin tone is depicted as fair and light, contrasted against the deep dark colors of the water below her. There are many different things that contribute to Ophelias death, and I like that you put it all out there. However, these shapes are not distinctively outlined or geometric; instead, they blend into the natural environment. This line directly references an older man and because of this detail, Poloniuss death has obviously taken its toll on Ophelias psyche, causing her to spout such wild and woeful songs. Ophelias random singing was the first sign of madness when I first read it because instead of trying to save herself from drowning she was just calmly singing and letting the heavy water pile on top of her and her clothing. The painting depicts the moment Ophelia is about to drown, surrounded by a myriad of flowers symbolizing aspects of what she experienced, from life and love to death. Great points! It is important to note that the flowers were significant during the Victorian era, holding various symbolic meanings. There are many different things that contribute to Ophelias death, and I like that you put it all out there. 2007, https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/describe-the-fate-of-ophelia-as-reported-by-441. Ophelias death was triggered by her mental breakdown due to the loss of her father. At such an early age, her life was taken. The pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood sought to move away from art that was influenced by the High Renaissance, especially the idealistic styles of the famous Italian painter Raphael. Why does the priest not want to give Ophelia a proper burial? Ophelias madness is perhaps overtaking her so much so that she does not even recognize whom she is talking to in this instanceher brother Laertes. I wonder which had more an effect? Gertrude reports that she fell into the brook and that her clothes became heavy with water and pulled her under. The painting depicts the moment Ophelia is about to drown, surrounded by a myriad of flowers symbolizing aspects of what she experienced, from life and love to death. Polonius is killed by Hamlet, who thought he was Claudius. At that point in time, it seemed to be an attribute to Ophelia letting herself go; but since you are comparing and including it within the madness of Ophelia I now find myself second guessing whether or not it was her letting herself go or if she was in fact mad. WebNeed more help? Ophelia hasnt any direct control over the influential characters in her life. An independent inquiry into the circumstances of Ms Sturgess' death will continue this year. Its quite the strain to put on anyones mental state. Her clothes spread wide, And mermaid-like a while they bore her up, Which time she chanted snatches of old lauds As one incapable of her own distress, Or like a creature native and indued Unto that element. Understanding the law of suicide is crucial to understanding the controversy regarding Ophelias burial rites. Video journalist: Emma Colman. Furthermore, women would often be the main protagonists, and artists would depict them from live models. I think that the most obvious cause that leads to Ophelias death is her fathers murder, but I like your point that it could indeed be because of her obsession with Hamlet, who has gone mad. Ophelia is doing as a proper lady should, and for it she is punished. In act 1, scene 3 of Hamlet, what is Polonius's advice to Laertes? She is depicted in a beautiful, soft dress barely keeping her buoyant and her midsection is submerged in the water. I think both her fathers death and her relationship with Hamlet made her depressed and unfortunately made her commit this awful act of suicide. I agree with the fact you believe her suicide is due to both her fathers death and her complex relationship with Hamlet. BBC News. WebThe fact that Ophelias death is from Gertrudes standpoint means that the reliability is in question. In the final scene, the violence, so long delayed, erupts with dizzying speed. Log in here. Sam, I also think that before Ophelia died Hamlet had a huge effect on her which might have played a huge role with her death. Her clothes spread wide. Educators go through a rigorous application process, and every answer they submit is reviewed by our in-house editorial team. He was born in Southampton, Hampshire in England. I agree with your point in saying that the sexual references in Ophelias songs do account for her love of Hamlet. Her death is reported by Queen Gertrude, Hamlets mother, in great poetic Its upsetting to see anyone go through all of these unfortunate circumstances because it realistically can happen to anybody. Many people in the kingdom obviously believe, based on this conversation, that Ophelia did not drown by accident, as the official story goes, but rather that she drowned herself. Over all, your post cleared up some misconceptions for me and went in depth on a character I would have liked to discuss more in class. As the play progresses, Ophelia becomes increasingly isolated and distressed as she is manipulated by the men in her life, particularly her father and brother, who forbid her from seeing Hamlet. Her Ophelias Role in Hamlet by William Shakespeare In Hamlet, one of the many things Shakespeare shows us is how the world can change a person, how certain circumstances can knock a person so out of proportion with who they used to be that they take on a new persona, a new identity. How does Ophelia come to believe that Hamlet is mad?He enters her room as she is sewing; his clothes are dishevelled, and his look is piteous. She knows that refusing to marry Hamlet will make him go insane.Polonius reads a letter to Claudius and Gertrude, and Ophelia overhears it. WebFor Gertrude is awkwardly unimaginative, as has been seen before. The second thing that happens is that Hamlet is sent away by the king, leaving Ophelia virtually alone in her grief, since her brother, The result is almost predictable: Ophelia goes mad. WebThe constant pressure from her father, Polonius, and Claudius to spy on Hamlet is a major factor in the increasing madness of Ophelia. The Ophelia painting depicts organic shapes and forms that are found in nature versus geometric shapes and forms. Yet in the scene of The Gravediggers, Hamlet later contends that Ophelia must have purposefully taken her own life. Her madness stems from the death of her father but carries over once shes lost Hamlet. Home; Quem Somos; As Nossas Marcas; Responsabilidade Social; what are the circumstances of ophelia's death? eNotes Editorial, 16 Apr. I also wondered why she doesnt reach out to her brother for comfort, with him being so determined to seek revenge for their father, and I wonder how the plot would have changed as he stepped in to comfort her like he should have. When Ophelia's death is first relayed to the audience by Queen Gertrude, she talks about Ophelia drowning accidentally, after a branch from the willow tree breaks off, causing Ophelia to fall into the waters. Our summaries and analyses are written by experts, and your questions are answered by real teachers. Ofelias madness seems a little more delicate and sudden. WebOphelia was caught up in the political and emotional intrigue and died in mysterious circumstances. either. Already a member? WebOphelias death was more likely to have been an accident than suicide. Fortinbrass father, King Fortinbras of Norway, was killed in a battle with King Hamlet. It is almost as though the natural order has been disturbed by the death of King Hamlet and Ofelia is a casualty in the war to get the state of Denmark to not be quite so rotten. John Everett Millais depicted some of these flowers in the Ophelia painting, which we will explore in the visual description below, but he also depicted the flowers and foliage from the Hogsmill River and its bank. Maybe if Hamlet wasnt such an ass to her she wouldnt have committed suicide because I think that was truly the last straw for her. I really liked the points you brought up about Ophelia, I wrote about her in my blog post as well. Ophelia in the fourth act ofHamletis demonstrably insane, but the direct cause of her slipped sanity is something that remains debatable. WebWilliam Shakespeare's Hamlet, Prince of Denmark has been the source of question, debate, and research since its theatrical debut. To the right of the composition is more greenery and an assortment of plants. WebGertrude speech makes Ophelias death not only more beautiful and tragic to the characters listening but also, to us the audience. Section. They say a made a good end. give more credence to Ophelias shattered mental state, as she is constantly fixating on the death of Polonius, so much so that every single thing reminds her of his passing (4.5.180-181). I also wondered why she doesnt reach out to her brother for comfort, with him being so determined to seek revenge for their father, and I wonder how the plot would have changed as he stepped in to comfort her like he should have. I assumed her song at 4.5.62-64, insinuates an alleged intimacy she had with Hamlet, and his promise to marry her if she were to agree to intimacy. horatio queen gertrude marcellus a messenger the answer is Marcel 1) Looking at Ophelia (18511852) by John Everett Millais;John Everett Millais, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. After all, the young woman has gone mad, and apparently did nothing to try and escape her watery death. WebOphelias actions in the scenes leading up to her death suggest it, but in truth it was caused by a terrible accident. The gravediggers are used to clearly foreshadow that more deaths will occur in this tragic play, and the audience is made to wonder for whom the next grave will be readied. The use of color in Ophelia (1851-1852) by John Everett Millais; John Everett Millais, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. I wonder which had more an effect? WebOphelias father had been killed by Hamlet; anyone put in that situation would likely have thoughts of suicide. In the Ophelia painting, the vegetation in the foreground and background creates a framing effect, which places our, the viewers, attention on Ophelia in the center. In memory of the BARCS late employee passing, a celebration of life will be held on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Chasseur, 3328 Foster Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224. Despite whether or not the cause of her madness is her fathers death or the loss of her boyfriend or something entirely different, Ofelia almost falls into madness. A close-up of Ophelias face in John Everett Millais Ophelia (1851-1852) painting;John Everett Millais, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Because I've never felt hate for anybody. Although the loss of Ophelia was an accident that could have got avoided if Ennis had got himself some glasses to saw. Little by little, the revelations come with the aid of his fathers ghost. I really liked the points you made about Ophelia and her madness. Because of the strong religious sanction against suicide, Ophelia would not want to risk damnation. It causes many people to wonder if she should even be