Ophelia in Hamlet
As #Metoo movement has suggested, “feminism” is probably the most controversial concept of the 21st century. Feminism, according to Britannica.com, is defined as “the belief in the social, economic, and political equality of the sexes” (Elinor Burkett, Laura Brunell). However, in modern society, some radicals tend to regard feminism solely as “anti-male” or “women dominance” movement. Today, no matter it is discussed in an online forum or class discussion, the term “feminism” turns out to be the most controversial topic. In fact, the concept of feminism had been revealed in human world long ago. One of the most remarkable author of the history, William Shakespeare, has triggered another discussion regarding the right of women
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(Williams) As the play develops, Polonius, the beloved father of Ophelia dies. Ophelia, the dominated daughter who was completely dependent on the male relatives in her life turns out to lose her mind along with the death of her “instructor”. (Corbett 14) Ophelia, although she is a respected noble woman, lost the refuge where she has depended on for the whole life. Without Polonius, she is nothing more than a young lamb left alone among a pack of wolves. The male dominated society has forced Ophelia to rely on males for the whole life, thus it was the social norm that has deprived Ophelia’s opportunity to develop independency, which ultimately made her into an “abandoned puppet” as the death had taken Polonius away. As Sigmund Freud commented “Clearly, extreme environmental stress, pressure and heart break efficiently lead Ophelia into a state of melancholia and possible suicide.” (“Ophelia and feminism”), Ophelia is no longer protected in the society. She has no reason to continue her painful life as a woman. As a result, she finally makes a decision to kill herself which was the last agency as a