Hamlet Theme of Sex

Hamlet's preoccupation with female sexuality seems to dominate much of the play. The young prince is disgusted by his aging mother's sexual appetite and his attitude eventually infects his relationship with Ophelia and his attitude toward all women in general. In the play, sexuality is frequently associated with deception, sin, and a seemingly fallen world. According to Hamlet, female sexuality makes the entire world seem like an "unweeded garden."

1. What is Hamlet's attitude towards sexuality? What metaphors and language does he use when describing sex?
2. In what ways is Hamlet's relationship to mother's sexuality and Ophelia's sexuality the same? In what ways are they different?
3. Does Hamlet focus more on female sexuality or male sexuality? Why?
4. In what ways does Hamlet's attitude towards sexuality affect or mirror his attitude towards the entire world?
5. What is the relationship, for Hamlet, between sexuality and betrayal?

Hamlet's suicidal disgust with the world is rooted more in his mother's sexual betrayal of his father than in Claudius's murder of his father.

Hamlet's view that all women are "breeders of sinners" not only reveals a sexist attitude but also suggest that Hamlet (a "sinner") finds himself to be just as revolting as the corrupt world around him.