In William Shakespeare's "Hamlet," the title character's love for Ophelia comes into question. Throughout the play, Hamlet's emotions and feelings for Ophelia are never publicly made known, which lead many to question if he is merely using her or loves her. However, there is evidence that demonstrates that he truly cares and loves Ophelia in the way he behaves around her when they are alone. In this essay I will demonstrate that Hamlet's feelings for Ophelia are true and he loves her. Throughout the play there are key passages and actions that demonstrate Hamlet's affinity for Ophelia. Hamlet being discreet and personal time and time again reassures Ophelia of his love for her. On numerous occasions he expresses his love via letters, word and actions.
One of the most compelling evidences of Hamlet's undying love for Ophelia is when he professes his love for her telling her "I did love you" (III.i.125). Immediately following his profession of love, Hamlet goes on to say that he never loved her. This juxtaposition of ideas can best be explained by the fact that Hamlet knew or suspected that his conversation was being observed which is why he asked Ophelia "Where's your father?" (III.i.141). When Ophelia tells him that Polonius is there, Hamlet replies with: "Let the doors be shut upon him that he may play the fool nowhere but in 's own house" (III.i.143-44). Hamlet's response implies that he is both disturbed by the presence of Polonius and knows that Polonius is plotting something.
Another instance which demonstrates Hamlet's love for Ophelia through actions rather than words is when he insists she go to a nunnery. At first, it seems as though Hamlet is mocking her and trying to get rid of her. However, after analyzing the text, it seems as though Hamlet is being protective, caring and only looking out for Ophelia's best interest. Soon after he tells Ophelia "get thee to a nunnery," Hamlet talks about breeding and how it would be bad to bring a child into such an evil world (III.