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Why Ophelia is One of the Most Interesting Characters in Hamlet

Of course Hamlet is the main character and steals the show, his massive word count alone cements that, but, Ophelia is right up there next to Hamlet in terms of  interesting characters and is too often overlooked. Hamlet is too obviously obsessed with death in the most clichè manner and wants to commit suicide to escape his suffering, but can't find the courage because he doesn't know what will come after death, posing an existential question and causing his inability to act. This lack of courage fills him with self loathing and adds to his angst over the whole situation. Ophelia also suffers similarly after the death of her father but she is able to do what Hamlet can't convince himself to do- she commits suicide, though this death is a bit debatable. Gertrude describes her death in heaps of detail and presents it as an accident but most believe think that's disputable; given the contempt for those who commit suicide at the time, it seems likely she is fabricating the story for Hamlet and those in the society of Denmark. In fact, other characters at her funeral assume it to be suicide despite not knowing the full truth. If it is suicide, it presents a really interesting parallel to Hamlet who is filled with indecision and questionably mocked madness next to Ophelia’s ability to make decisions for herself and crazy reality. They also parallel each other while talking to relatives. Just as Hamlet uses fake madness to mock his family, Ophelia does a similar thing when she hands out flowers. Each of the flowers she hands out have symbolic significance and she's basically calling out and deeply insulting people under the excuse of madness. So, I think her final moments aren't passive acceptance as the victim. She insults and criticizes everyone who has used her and then kills herself, perhaps as an act of stoicism proving she has control over her life.

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