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Hamlet Protecting Ophelia Analysis

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People will do whatever they can to protect the ones they love, no matter the cost. Prince Hamlet in the William Shakespeare play, Hamlet, did exactly that, trying to shield Ophelia firstly from the court. Additionally, he didn’t even trust her father and wanted to remove her from Polonius’ influence as well. On top of that, Hamlet wanted to protect him from even himself. In the end, Hamlet wanted to keep Ophelia safe from the court, her father, and ultimately himself, despite what some may argue. Firstly, knowing the court was filled with corruption and deceit, Hamlet did his best to protect Ophelia from the dangers of the court. From the very beginning, he continually voices his distrust in various court members. One one such occasion, he tells Ophelia in a supposedly private conversation, “We are all arrant knaves believe none of us,” (3.1.139-140). When he says “all” and “us” it is obvious he is talking about the court, meaning that he wants her to not trust anyone within the castle walls. The only place where she would be safe would be outside of the castle …show more content…

Hamlet repeatedly acknowledges his faults, most precisely to her. In conversation, he tells Ophelia how he is guilty of such terrible things that he shouldn’t have been born, and that he proud, revengeful, and ambitious (3.1.132-135). Hamlet is fully telling her his faults and that, while being scathing towards her, he is no better. Even after her death, he continues to express his flaws around her presence. This is seen at her funeral, for which he says to her brother, Laertes, “For though I am splenitive and rash, I have in me something dangerous, which let thy wisdom fear,” (5.1.275-276). Hamlet knows he is quick-tempered and dangerous, but takes it a step further by warning them that he is upset over Ophelia dying and will take his anger out on them. Hamlet knew his own inner evils, and distanced himself from her due to

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