In Shakespeare's theatrical masterpiece, "Hamlet," manipulation and stimulation encircles the two leading ladies. As the only female characters in the play, Gertrude and Ophelia provide the only insight as to how women are depicted in Elsinore's society. Shakespeare's Elsinore is patriarchal on many levels; the men continuously use women to their degrading advantage. .
As King of Denmark, Claudius not only has power over the state, but also over Gertrude. On a smaller scale, Polonius has full authority over his daughter, Ophelia. Hamlet uses and mistreats both women, for they are not entirely in control of their environment. They are prone to the decisions that men make for them. Gertrude and Ophelia are forced to play in these limited roles by overshadowing them with surrounding prominent male figures, giving them no chance for redemption. Giving men more power than women has run not only throughout Hamlet, but also in the threads of history. Quickly after Laertes takes his leave to France, Polonius warns Ophelia against Hamlet's amorous intentions with her. Polonius orders his daughter not to believe in Hamlet's "love-talk." He criticizes Ophelia, scorning:.
"Affection? Puh! You speak like a green girl,.
Unsifted in such perilous circumstance.
Do you believe his tenders as you call them?".
(I, iii, 101-103).
Polonius' words to Ophelia are very mocking. Polonius believes that Ophelia is a weak character with almost no valid opinion. He thinks Ophelia is a fool for believing in Hamlet's professions of love. Polonius, as well as Laertes, does not trust Hamlet because he is vulnerable and dangerous. They believe Hamlet's love for Ophelia is merely a youthful infatuation-a man's lustful desire. As a prince, Hamlet is not even free to choose his own wife; he must marry in the interest of the state. Ophelia is innocent and naive, making her more of a victim than anyone else. She is easily led by the men she loves.
