Ophelia Questions

What do you notice about the way that Ophelia is portrayed in the John Everett Millais painting?

Ophelia is portrayed as if she was in a peaceful and serene deep sleep as you can see. Even though she drowned and died, she is surrounded by flowers right at her side and some of them look like they are in her hand. Her dying face up makes me wonder if her drowning self -conflicting.  Meaning, usually when you drown you sink or are face down in the water, never are you face up with your hands out the way she has them. The water looks a little shallow too for Ophelia to be drowning in, in my opinion.

What characteristics does the artist imbue in his version of Ophelia?

The artist imbues that Ophelia's character had innocence. In his painting Ophelia looks as if she wasn't intending to die or shouldn't have died. It seems a little too perfect on how the flowers are arranged next to Ophelia. As if she just gave up and let fate take charge of what would happen next.

How do you believe Shakespeare intended Ophelia to be portrayed? 

Shakespeare intended that Ophelia's world and character revolved around Hamlet. She could have been upset about the fact that Hamlet killed her father and that Hamlet and her are no longer together. This could have played a role in Ophelia's death and character.

*I feel like I should change the one above or re word it or add more*

What were her final moments like?

Ophelia's final moments where peaceful with a hint of some madness. Ophelia was devastated over her father's death and Hamlet's non existence in her life. She was using sticks as flowers and was by the stream or brook and all these flowers before she died.

Did she intentionally drown herself?

Ophelia did not intentionally drown herself. I believe once the branch snapped and fell into the water she wanted to be be save. But, once she water was rushing into her lungs she could possible believe this is a way to end all of her pain and suffering from her father’s death.

Did she give in after the branch underneath her broke?

I believe she did give in after the branch broke underneath her.

Did Gertrude sit idly by and watch her struggle?:

I don't have the right answer but my theory is that maybe a guard saw what happen to Ophelia and then told the Queen.

What do you believe is the reason for Ophelia’s madness?

Ophelia's first cause of madness was by Hamlet and her break up. The second was the death of her father Polonius.

What contributed to her demise, in your opinion?:

Ophelia's madness and reaction to her father's death and Hamlet's rejection caused her demise. If she didn't react in such an insane way then maybe her death could have been avoided. But still we never know if her death was accidental.

How might you represent Ophelia?:

I represent Ophelia as a naive, innocent, and pure, very loyal to her family, obedient character. There isn't just one side to her. She has multiple personalities and views. She really loved Hamlet but listened to Polonius on not seeing or speaking to him anymore. She also seemed very happy sometimes during the play until, she went insane at the end of it.