The
role of parents is quite significant in the play Hamlet. From Gertrude to Claudius, Polonius to old Hamlet, parental
figures prove to have a great importance in the play overall. Many times, these
parents are the driving forces for their children’s actions. Hamlet, Ophelia,
and Laertes, the only characters in the play with parents, all make decisions
and dictate their actions with a great deal of thought towards their parental
figures. The theme of family is easily seen throughout the play, and the
relationship between child and parent appears to me to be a key component
behind Hamlet.
In my opinion,
the parents in Hamlet are the driving
forces behind their children. This can mostly be seen in the relationship of
Hamlet, the main character, and his father. While the death of his father
clearly crippled Hamlet, Hamlet decides to get revenge on his uncle Claudius
upon seeing his father’s ghost. For his father, and only his father, Hamlet
wants to get revenge. I believe that Hamlet would have done anything for his
father, in life or death, because they had such a significant relationship. Also,
I feel that actually seeing his father’s ghost drove Hamlet to exact revenge on
Claudius. Furthermore, Hamlet’s love for his father led him to go to whatever
measures.
Through
the father-daughter relationship of Polonius and Ophelia, we see the complete
and utter obedience she has for her father. Not only does Ophelia end her
relationship with Hamlet for her father, but she also lets him use her as a pawn
in his games. Polonius has total control over his daughter, and his role as a
parent is perhaps the most powerful role he holds in the play. However, without
her father’s albeit harsh commands, I believe that Ophelia would have no idea
what decisions to make and what actions to take. Ophelia needs her father, as
his influence is essential to her.
The
roles of the other parents appear to me to be slightly different. Claudius, a
parent to Hamlet by marriage, seems to have little role as a parent in
throughout the play. Even when he is attempting to be a father-figure towards
Hamlet, he is condescending and fake. Gertrude as well only slightly seems like
a parent to Hamlet. She is hardly there for her son, and always seems to take
Claudius’ side. Laertes and Polonius’ relationship is far more advanced.
Polonius was an important figure in Laertes’ life, so his death, like old
Hamlet’s death to Hamlet, led Laertes to go to whatever means necessary for
revenge.
Overall,
parents in Hamlet have proven to be
quite significant to the storyline. Without Hamlet’s love and need to avenge
his father, there would not be a story. Ophelia’s obedience to her own father
has added much to play. And while we have yet to finish Hamlet, I can already tell that Laertes’ love for his father will
dictate how the play will end up. Therefore, parents have a role in this play that
I believe is drastic. They push their children, the most significant
characters, to make decisions. These decisions just happen to be what make up
the play.
3 comments:
That was great. I thought it was interesting that you thought that although Polonius was overbearing parent Ophelia needed that kind of power over her. It is a good argument for the idea that Shakespeare thought of women as dependent on men. The other part I liked was your comment on Claudius's parenting. I thought it was interesting how Claudius tries to seem like he is trying to help Hamlet when in reality Claudius is doing nothing of the sort.
I liked how you described the parents as "driving forces" because it's a spot on description. Every move made in the play was driven by either their parents or their relationship with their parents. I also liked how you pointed out that Polonius and Laertes had a more advanced relationship - thus he's reaction for revenge. It makes me wonder how Old Hamlet and Hamlet really were towards each other.
Great job Juliana! Do you feel that love plays a big role between parents and their children in the play or do you think it is more about respect or even obedience? Is Hamlet avenging his father's death out of love for his father or resepect for the position his father held?
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