Justine Leleng Mrs. Wojciechowicz English 12 March 29, 2023 Viewing Hamlet through a Feminism Lens Shakespeare’s Hamlet is a timeless tale known for its revenge, betrayal, and tragedy. While the play is known for its character, Hamlet, viewing the story through a feminist lens offers us a fresh perspective on the story. Hamlet's actions and behavior throughout the play directly contribute to the tragic demise of his mother Gertrude and his lover Ophelia, showing us the destructive consequences of unresolved emotional trauma and the dangerous effects of toxic masculinity on relationships. Toxic masculinity is a recurring theme in Shakespeare's Hamlet, as male characters often treat women with condescension and control. An example of this masculine …show more content…
The mistreatment of Ophelia doesn’t stop with just her father but …show more content…
A notable moment is when Hamlet confronts his mother Gertrude in her bedroom, saying, "Nay, but to live in the rank sweat of an enseamed bed, stewed in corruption, honeying and making love over the nasty sty!" (III, IV, Line 104). Hamlet’s words express his disgust at his Mother’s sexuality and actions after his father's recent death. Typically, when speaking to family, it is expected to be respectful and considerate. However, his feelings of betrayal and his confusion over his mother's marriage to his uncle lead to violent physical and verbal behavior showing how far untreated trauma can affect a person. Hamlet further shows his revulsion at his mother's new marriage when he says, "Frailty, thy name is woman!" (I, II, Line 146). The use of the word "frailty" to describe women perpetuates the stereotype that women are weak and inferior. Hamlet's remark is not only directed at his mother, but it is also an extension of how he views women. As he succumbs to societal expectations of male superiority, his toxic masculinity combined with his traumas becomes more prevalent throughout the play further supporting the normalization of gender norms and frequent abuse of