We have seen Hamlet develop loathing for his mother for the sins she has committed and the devious acts she has executed: "[she] makes marriage vows as false as dicers" oaths . You cannot call it love, for at your age the heyday in the blood is tame" (3
• 4
• 44 - 69). Unfortunately, this loathing is also aimed towards women in general. It is the raging ideals that are responsible for his terrible treatment of dear, innocent Ophelia in Act 3. .
It is in Act III Scene i where the contemplation of Hamlet's love for Ophelia is found. Preceding his visit to her, Hamlet states in a soliloquy his famous "to be or not to be" speech in which he considers committing suicide. By this point, his purpose for revenge has made him all the more miserable, and cynical. As Ophelia enters, Hamlet's spirits seem to be aroused: "The fair Ophelia! Nymph in thy orisons be all my sins remembered" (3
• 1
• 89 - 90). Also, Hamlet acknowledges the importance of his emotions towards Ophelia; and his admiration for Ophelia's beauty; he expresses "That if you be honest and fair, your honesty should admit no discourse to your beauty" (3
• 1
• 107-108). Clearly, Hamlet emphasizes that Ophelia can be honest and fair; however, it is impossible to link these two traits, since 'fairness' is an outward trait, while, 'honesty' is an inward trait. He adds that, "Ay, truly, for the power of beauty will sooner transform honesty from what it is to a bawd that the force of honesty can translate beauty into his likeness" (3
• 1
• 111-113). .
However, Hamlet's good attitude does not seem to last long. It is when Ophelia returns to him tokens of his affection that his attitude changes toward her. Hamlet starts to insult Ophelia, and taunt her. He tells her that he had once loved her, but then changes his statement to say that he had never loved her.