Only two women, Gertrude and Ophelia, appear throughout the entirety of Shakespeare’s elaborate Hamlet. Shakespeare’s representation of these two women throughout the play is a direct example of the way in which women were treated and thought of during the Elizabethan time period. Discrimination in gender roles was a very real concept during the 15th and 16th century. In fact, during Shakespeare’s time, women were not allowed to act, as it was seen as disgraceful to have a woman on stage. Instead, men always played the women’s roles. Controlled by the powerful men who often unconsciously mistreat Gertrude and Ophelia, the two ladies, though different from one another, ultimately are too naïve and somewhat clueless to stand up for themselves. Adding to the complexity of the story, Shakespeare—as he often does—creates crafty parallels between the two women 's behavior, intertwining their love interests and lustful choices. Ultimately the story of Hamlet is one of revenge, justice, …show more content…
Hamlet’s disgust with women’s lustful behavior originates from his mother’s choices and sadly gives way to the idea that all women are lustful and cannot control their sexual desires. Gertrude, though similar to Ophelia in some ways, is an extremely complex character. Losing her husband meant losing male affection and love, an aspect the queen longs for. Quite possibly the queen could have been having an affair with Claudius before King Hamlet was killed, however, there is no question as to the motives behind Gertrude’s desperate behavior. Her actions seem to be based from her sole desperation to be loved and therefore she quickly becomes submissive to Claudius as he provides the attention she needs. (quote). Oblivion blinded these two poor women from the corruption that was occurring all around them. Not only were Ophelia and Gertrude being manipulated and used for the advantages of others, but they were slowly fading into a dark place which ultimately was fatal for both of