Hamlet 's Attitude And Treatment Of His Mother - 1522.
A characteristic of Hamlet 's personality is to make broad, sweeping generalizations and nowhere is this more evident than in his treatment toward women. Very early in the play, while discussing his mother 's transgressions, he comments, “Frailty, thy name is woman. (Hoy, 11).”.However, after Hamlet discovers his mother's role in his father's murder, along with her quick marriage to his uncle, he loses his trust in women. He feels betrayed! Hamlet is the epitome of what could happen when a son loses all trust and faith in a murderous and adulterous mother.Hamlet's attitude towards women also stems from his childhood experiences and his life dilemmas. His prejudice helps clarify the issue of women's rights and how they are viewed throughout the play. Hamlet shows disapproval towards his mother's actions in Act 1 when he refers to his mother marrying his uncle shortly after his father was murdered.
In the history of English literature, William Shakespeare is remarked as the giant of the Renaissance and history of the world dramas. The greatest dramatist Shakespeare was really better at portraying the female characters than the other dramatists.Hamlets’ treatment towards Gertrude (mother) is not unreasonable, but the way Hamlet treats Ophelia is a little harsh in the beginning when she is completely innocent. Further along through the play Hamlet’s treatment towards Ophelia can be considered reasonable since she basically decided to side with Claudius and Polonius.
In the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare, women are seen as inferior towards their male counterpart for they have no voice or agency. In contrast, to Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, women play a more dominant role in society, due to the fact that they were seen as a source of power and guidance.
