Hamlet Theme of Gender

"Frailty, thy name is woman," so says Hamlet in his first scene (1.2.6). Hamlet's attitude toward women is notoriously sexist and stems from his disgust at his mother's sexuality and seeming unfaithfulness to his dead father. This outlook eventually spills over to include all women, especially the hapless Ophelia, who has virtually no power or control, even over her own body. To some extent, the play also considers notions of masculinity (or lack thereof). Claudius warns Hamlet that his grief is "unmanly" and Hamlet notoriously refers to himself as a promiscuous woman when he finds himself unable to avenge his father's death, which, again, circles back to Hamlet's association between women and deception. Yet, the play does not share Hamlet's furious dismissal of women. Hamlet's mother's final guilt is left ambiguous, and his lover ultimately inspires pity. Hamlet's attitude toward women reveals something about him more than it reveals women's true nature.

1. What is Hamlet's attitude toward women? Why does he criticize women? Are these criticisms justified based on what he has seen and experienced?
2. Do other characters in the play share Hamlet's attitude towards women? What kind of advice does Laertes give Ophelia in Act I, scene iii? What does his advice suggest about his attitude about gender roles? How does Ophelia respond to her brother's remarks? What does her response say about Ophelia's character?
3. Why does Hamlet call himself a "whore," a "drab," and a "scullion" in Act II, Scene ii?
4. Do you think Ophelia's limited social role (as a powerless young woman) plays any part in why she goes mad and drowns? What evidence would you use to support your claims?
5. Does the play provide evidence to support Hamlet's criticisms of women? Or, does it challenge his views?

Hamlet is critical of women because he believes that their sexual "appetites" constantly lead them to betray men.

The play does not share Hamlet's sexist attitude. In fact, it paints a sympathetic picture of Ophelia and seems to suggest that her madness and tragic death are the result of unfair attitudes toward women.