"" (I, ii, 148) Women today have many rights, however in the past, women were seen as mothers and housekeepers and always taught to respect, listen and serve their husbands, and men in general. As a result of this, many works in literature were reflective of this diminutive role of women. In William Shakespeare's "Hamlet-, women are represented as figures that seem to be drowned in the mist of the deceitful power-game played out by a number of male figures, who in one way or another, contribute to the manipulation of the female characters. The women's role in this play is to be used and exploited, in order for the male characters to achieve their desire. The modest relationship shared with the only two women in the play, Gertrude and Ophelia, is best depicted in Prince Hamlet's cynical and neurotic behaviour towards them. In general, Hamlet displays a particular obsession with what he perceives to be a connection between female sexuality and moral corruption. This hatred toward women occurs sporadically throughout the play, but it is an important inhibiting factor in Hamlet's relationship with the women, and their role within the play. Hamlet, as well as the other male characters, utilize their status, gender and drive, in order to accomplish their objective, and in turn display the lack of respect and insignificance they place on the female characters in this play.
In this play, women are manipulated and condemned, and fail to receive the proper treatment they deserve. They act as nave and abiding individuals, taking order from the one who allocates the task. The disregard and contempt Hamlet shows Gertrude, reveals the lack of respect he has for his mother. This is best portrayed when he is shattered by his mother's repugnant decision to marry Claudius so soon after her husband's death. Gertrude's decision is not entirely based on love, rather the need for a dictator. Hamlet, in his soliloquy, says, .
