Hamlet is a complex play with many constantly changing themes and ideas contained within it. Of all these ideas and themes, arguably one of the most fickle, is the question of whether or not Hamlet truly loves Ophelia. There are many points in the play where a reader might be fully convinced of his love, and then a minute later completely doubt it. Hamlet constantly switches between the two extremes of either being absolutely in love with Ophelia, or spewing a stream of derogatory insults in her general direction. Although there are many points throughout the play that deal with the complicated relationship between the two characters, there are three main events that really capture their relationship. These three points are: the letter sent to Ophelia that is read …show more content…
In the very first scene of the act, Polonius and Claudius decide to observe Hamlet’s behavior around Ophelia, but when Hamlet finally talks to her, he acts crazy and he insults her, even telling her he never loved her at all. This event is the main argument that Hamlet does not love Ophelia, but it is important to take a closer look at the scene to truly be able to discern his feelings. There is one line in the scene that truly stands out. After he spews insults at Ophelia he asks her, “Where’s your father?” (Act III, Scene I). This is interesting because it seems to indicate that Hamlet might have some inkling of knowledge that he is being watched by none other than her father. Ophelia responds to his question by claiming that her father is at home, and Hamlet says “Let the doors be shut on him, that he may play the fool no where but in’s own house.” This again seems to hint at the fact that Hamlet seems to realize Polonius’ true location. All of this raises the question, was Hamlet’s behavior in this scene motivated by madness, or was he just putting on a show for the