Hamlet Tells Ophelia To Go To A Nunnery Quote
Hamlet is a play written by William Shakespeare, which is considered one of the greatest plays in history. The play is known for its famous quotes, one of which is when Hamlet tells Ophelia to go to a nunnery. This quote has been analyzed and debated by scholars for centuries, and it still holds relevance today. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind this quote and its significance in the play.
The Context of the Quote
The quote "Get thee to a nunnery" is spoken by Hamlet to Ophelia in Act III, Scene I of the play. In this scene, Hamlet is pretending to be mad in front of Ophelia, with the intention of making her believe that he no longer loves her. Hamlet and Ophelia were previously in a romantic relationship, but Hamlet's behavior towards her has changed since the death of his father.
When Hamlet tells Ophelia to go to a nunnery, he is not referring to a convent but rather a brothel. In Shakespeare's time, the word "nunnery" had a double meaning and could refer to either a convent or a brothel. Hamlet is telling Ophelia to go to a place where she can be free of the corruption of men and avoid the pain and suffering that comes with love.
The Meaning Behind the Quote
The quote "Get thee to a nunnery" has several meanings in the play. Firstly, Hamlet is telling Ophelia to protect herself from the corruption of men. He believes that all men are dishonest and that women should stay away from them. He is also telling her to avoid the pain and suffering that comes with love, as he is still mourning the death of his father and cannot bring himself to love anyone.
Secondly, the quote can be interpreted as Hamlet's frustration with Ophelia's betrayal. Ophelia is caught in the middle of the political intrigue surrounding the court of Denmark, and she is forced to choose between her loyalty to her father, Polonius, and her love for Hamlet. Hamlet is angry with Ophelia for choosing her father over him, and he tells her to go to a nunnery to punish her for her betrayal.
The Significance of the Quote
The quote "Get thee to a nunnery" is significant in the play because it reveals Hamlet's attitude towards women. He believes that all women are deceitful and that they should stay away from men. This attitude is reflected in his treatment of Ophelia, who he sees as a pawn in the political games being played in the court of Denmark.
The quote also highlights the theme of misogyny in the play. Hamlet's treatment of Ophelia is an example of how women were treated in Shakespeare's time. Women were often seen as inferior to men and were expected to be obedient to their husbands or fathers. The quote shows how women were denied agency and were trapped in a world dominated by men.
Conclusion
The quote "Get thee to a nunnery" is one of the most famous and debated quotes in Hamlet. It reveals Hamlet's attitude towards women and highlights the theme of misogyny in the play. The quote has several meanings and can be interpreted in different ways, depending on the context of the scene. Despite its age, the quote still holds relevance today and can be used to reflect on the treatment of women in society.