Act III: Parents

         I think that the role of the parents in Hamlet truly make the story what it is. It's the relationships between the parents and children that cause certain events and reactions. The parents themselves, how they act, and how they parent greatly influence the story and the characters in it. Even though there are no young children in the play and the characters are older, the parents still have very important roles in their lives. I think what adds on to this is that they are royalty, and the kids are dependent on their parents. If they were on their own, trying to survive in the real world, this story would be entirely different.
         One of the parents who stands out the most to me is Gertrude, Hamlet's mother. We still haven't found out why Gertrude married Claudius or if she knew about Old Hamlet's murder - but one thing is for certain - she acted selfishly. Gertrude was definitely not thinking about her grieving son or nation in her actions following the death. It is a well known fact that if a person has a child, his or her life must revolve around the child. Being a parent is a selfless job, and Gertrude fails at it. She should have been consoling Hamlet and trying to help him get over his father's death not betraying him. I feel her actions ostracized Hamlet and led to his suicidal thoughts in the beginning of the play. After Old Hamlet died, Hamlet didn't just lose a father but a mother as well. And I truly believe that this is what motivated him. In my opinion, Hamlet wanted to avenge his father's death but also the memory of the life he lost.
      And then there is Polonius, who is another "model" parent. Polonius is Ophelia and Laertes' father. He comes off as very controlling and abrupt. As a father, he isn't very endearing or trustworthy. He's actually quite quick to spy on his son and use his daughter. I think Polonius' role as a father is crucial to the play because it's a major factor in Ophelia's descent into madness. First, Polonius tells Ophelia she can no longer see Hamlet; showing that he cares more about his reputation than her happiness. Then, he uses her to spy on the one she loves, which is taunting her. We will never know how Hamlet and Ophelia's relationship would have progressed because whatever was there, was terminated against their will. Polonius basically takes away Ophelia's will all together which I believe is a big factor in her mental deterioration. What else do we have as humans but free will? If Polonius had been a different type of parent, I think Ophelia would have turned out fine even after his death.
        Although he's really not a father figure, I think Claudius does have a role as a parent in the play. He could have certainly gone about marrying Gertrude in a different light. Instead of treating Hamlet like he was wrong to feel remorseful and betrayed, Claudius could have a worked a completely different angle. If I was in his position, I would have sat Hamlet down ("man to man") and explained to him that he felt Hamlet wasn't ready for the throne and he married Gertrude because he was worried for her well being and stability. It's a very awkward situation, but Claudius made it worse by alienating Hamlet. This action consequently fueled Hamlet's anger and resentment leading to his need for revenge.
       One of the reasons Shakespeare's plays have lasted so long is because they perfectly capture humanity. His plays explore human emotions and reactions. They surround love, betrayal, despair and other essential feelings that create a realistic atmosphere and help the audience relate to his stories. In Hamlet, Shakespeare captures the relationship between parent and child. He emphasizes flaws and moves away from the picture perfect family - an idea that many can relate to. The parents in this story basically shape and mold the events. Their actions affect their children and change their lives. I think that it is a clear representation of how influential parents are in their children's lives and shows how destructive their mistakes can be. We are nothing more than a reflection of our parents.

       

Act II: The Love Letter

My dearest Ophelia,

          At first, I thought you had truly embraced our childish beginning and were simply playing games with my heart. At first, when you stopped appearing at our window I had assumed you were either faint or weak, or perhaps distracted by other affairs. At first, when you stopped wearing a daisy in your hair, I thought maybe you were testing my eyes, to see if I honestly payed attention to your efforts. But I do. I have been aware of every glance, smile, kiss, embrace. I keep them close to my heart with every nightfall and daybreak. I had began to memorize every part of you, so that I will always have you with me. But, my dearest Ophelia, I never imagined  you to truly be out of my sight. Where have you gone? Why do I have to rely on my memory to see your face? What have I done? Please Ophelia! Surely I have done nothing that would cause such a torturous punishment. I miss your voice, your love, your warmth. Tell me what have I done to deserve this! We were so joyous and true. I awoke one morning to find only your imprint next to me, and that was the start of the end of my world. You were and are my world, Ophelia.
          My days seem to lose meaning without you. Hours and minutes no longer have any presence or importance. I find myself slipping away from what is real. You were what held me to this earth! Twas you! I listen to your voice, I listen to old moments inside my head and can no longer hear anyone else. I need you Ophelia, and only you. I am desperate for at least a moment with you. You are my air, my life, my sanity. I came back to my father passed, and now an uncle-father. Everything had woven into an ever changing present - but I still had you! You were clear and constant. Please Ophelia, my daisy, return clarity to this disaster that has become my life. My heart's beats have slowed beyond any means of measuring and only you can repair my state. I love you Ophelia, I always have. How can you simply walk away? Have I no place in your heart? Have I been imagining our love? But ah!  What is real and what is not?  Is anything real, anymore? Am I? Please, Ophelia, I beg of you to come back and save me.

                                                                                              With all my love,
                                                                                                          Hamlet