Tough Love
In my opinion, I think that Hamlet and Ophelia are in love with each other. There have been many distinct times when the class has seen Hamlet and Ophelia’s love for each other thus far. For Ophelia her love for Hamlet can be seen when she compliments Hamlet in her riposte with her father Polonius. For Hamlet it happens when he demonstrates his affection for Ophelia by denying his love for her in order to protect her. She is also very quick to defend Hamlet’s love for her when she is being lectured by her father Polonius on Hamlet’s delirious condition. “He hath, my lord, of late made many tenders of his affection to me” (I.iii.99-100). Ophelia is a very obedient daughter to Polonius, nonetheless she would not protest if she agreed that Hamlet did not love her. Ophelia was warned by her brother Laertes on the dangers of loving a man of higher rank so that she would not complain in Hamlet's favour if her unrequited love wasn't reciprocated. She understands that Hamlet could cast her aside, yet she argues in his defense still. Hamlet’s love for Ophelia isn't one sided either, she defends his love because she loves him as he loves her. She is quick to receive Hamlet when she sees him in the courtyard. “My lord, I have remembrances of yours that I have longed long to redeliver. I pray you now receive them” (III.i.93-95). Ophelia was longing to be able to show her affection for Hamlet, despite the known consequences. She openly welcomes Hamlet because she was locked away by her father Polonius; but now that she is allowed to see Hamlet all Ophelia wants to do is be with him. Hamlet cares deeply about Ophelia’s well being. When Hamlet was suddenly summoned to the court by King Claudius, only to see Ophelia, he knew that something was amiss. As a sign of caution, Hamlet tells Ophelia not to believe him in order to protect her. “No, not I. I never gave you aught” (96-97). Had Hamlet expressed his love for Ophelia, she could have been used as a tool to manipulate himself. If Hamlet didn't love her then she would not be needed as a hostage. “ Before Hamlet meets Ophelia in the courtyard, he compliments Ophelia’s and asks for her forgiveness. “Soft you now, the fair Ophelia! Nymph in thy orisons be all my sins remember'd” (III.i.88-90). Hamlet asks for Ophelia’s forgiveness because he feels guilty about the way the he is going to treat her. He feels that what he is about to say is an affront to their relationship, and a betrayal of their love they shared. This shows that Hamlet cares for Ophelia otherwise he wouldn't have felt any remorse. Hamlet tries to give Ophelia small hints that he still cares for her and that he wants her to get to safety. “If thou dost marry, I’ll give thee this plague for thy dowry: be thou as chaste as ice, as pure as snow, thou shalt not escape calumny. Get thee to a nunnery, farewell” (III.i.135-138). In his selfishness, he says that she should not get married to anyone else, he alone wants to love her. Hamlet wants Ophelia to get to a place of safety where he can attend to her later, where she will not be affected by his actions.
Comment: In response to Christie
I liked Christie's point about the fact that they are able to talk about such inappropriate matters in the midst of a crowd. The amount of trust and depth they display when they converse is the middle of everyone shows readers just how close they are to each other.
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