Ophelia

Ophelia is dead in the water surrounded by flowers in the painting. The flowers may symbolize a glorious, innocent Ophelia. The painting portrays Ophelia as a good looking woman with a discomforting face. Her face seem to have as unwanted feeling for death. Her eyes and mouth are open, so we can assume she knew she was to die. Ophelia's hands are out of the water. This shows that she is reaching for something or she did not want to die. The skull hidden in the picture sybolizes her own death.

First I didn't believe that Ophelia would commit suicide. I dont think she fell in the water intentionally but realized it would be a good a idea to go during the time. It would be perfect cocidering her dilema. During her death, I think Gertrude did nothing but watch her die. Her description was too detailed to assume she wasn't there. Shakespeare portrays Ophelia as a mysterious and crazy girl but also a respectful daughter. Even though she wasn't described much in the play, we can assume she is dutiful when she listened to Polonius and Laertes but still is crazy for Hamlet.

Ophelia's final moments may have involved her father, brother, and Hamlet. Ophelia cared and loved her father, and Hamlet was her love, and she probably still loves him. Ophelia definately went mad when she found out that Hamlet killed her father. She was shocked and grieving. Her old lover just killed the father she loved.

With little information about Ophelia, it is difficult to represent her. There are many things we know nothing about. We don't know why she would kill her herself if she did. Maybe she was going through deeper problems from the past. She is a dutiful daughter regardless. It's tough to represent Ophelia from how she exits the play.