Shakespeare Hamlet/Ophelia

The story of Ophelia is a tale of sorrow, as discovered in her song lyrics. In hearing the lyrics, Ophelia feels terrible; the music basically sympathizes with her and the torment. One explanation this song is so sad is that Ophelia cites her father's suggestions. Another thing which saddens this song is that it can be perceived as the folly of Ophelia is the rejection of Hamlets as they are close. There is a distinct, loving connection that is felt by the choice of words used in her song.

The mood of this song is definitely sad and gloomy. The use of the words “dead”, “gone” and “grave” can all be associated with this feeling of sadness. “They bored him barefaced on the bier” (Act 4 Scene 5). The reference to the advice that her father gave to her about not trusting Hamlet’s love makes this song even more depressing and remorseful because she should have listened to his advice to avoid feeling rejected. “He will never come back” is a quote that may be interpreted as her father will never come back and that Hamlet will also never come back for her; she is lost without her coaches, and guiding mentors (Act 4 Scene 5). In speaking “come my coach,” she is showing metaphor, where Hamlet is the coach that will guide her away from this madness (Act 4 Scene 5). The use of language by Shakespeare takes an internal approach, where the song by Ophelia may be considered madness only because she has been categorized as such. The relationship with Hamlet is driven by this song and the recognized lyrics, where it is clear she is crying out for Hamlet to hear her, understand her, and save her from the torment that she faces. Hamlet is the only true relationship that she has, and her language is hopeful in preserving this before it is lost.

Through Shakespeare’s use of figurative language in Ophelia’s song he creates a mood of sorrow and sympathy. Through the use of metaphors, alteration, simile and word choice Shakespeare creates a clear mood that the audience is supposed to feel. An example of a metaphors used is “At his head a grass-green turf”, to say how her father is buried in the ground. The simile “White his shroud as the mountain snow” can be interpreted as that her father was good and pure as the colour white symbolizes goodness and purity (Act 4 Scene 5). The audience will accept Ophelia as we realize her father was murdered unfairly and what is more painful is that the person who killed Hamlet, the one she is in love with. The usage of vocabulary like “dead” and “gone” are direct and blunt, which push the deeply sorrowful emotion one will have as a reader and observer to this song (Act 4 Scene 5). Therefore, we stress the feeling of sadness if Shakespeare makes the usage of tragic tragedy, because Hamlet won't marry Ophelia, since she had a relationship with him before he met. Like in so many Shakespeare's plays, this scenario isn't written in a straightforward manner, but instead renders his prose sentimental and romantic in figurative terms. JG/AB