Ophelia: An Embodiment of Shakespeare's Feministic Approach

The paper titled ‘Ophelia: An Embodiment of Shakespeare's Feministic Approach’ tries to analyze the reason why this genius playwright created the character of Ophelia. If we ignore this character for a while, the plot stands as it is, without much harm done to the main action. Then why does Ophelia have to become a part of this tragedy, just to enhance the force of tragedy on the stage, or is there some other reason? William Shakespeare, an eminent playwright, lived in a society where women were not held as an important part of the society. As a social being and an artist, Shakespeare had a sensitive corner for social issues. Then how could he not have been aware of the injustice done to the women in his society? A plus point that he had at his disposal to present this problem was through his characters. Thus, we have a play where a girl who rendered her life and her most beautiful years at the hands of her father and brother. She did not committed dire offence in the play except that she was loved by Prince Hamlet. However, the code of conduct imposed upon her by the society through its agents in the form of her father and brother ruined her life. The character of Ophelia is so displayed on the stage that it generates heartfelt sympathy in the audience, who really feel a sense of loss on her death.