Content Category
Literary Criticism
Abstract/Description
In this paper, I explore Ophelia's supposed descent into 'insanity' in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Using Immanuel Kant's Critique of Pure Reason, I conclude that instead of descending into insanity, Ophelia moved beyond reason in order to acquire personal truth that wasn't available to her within the realm of traditional reason. In the end, instead of assuming a passive role, Ophelia's character actively rejects the limitations of reason, allowing her to become more than just a passive object of tragic circumstances. Variations within the Quarto and Folio versions of the play support the conclusion that Ophelia actively sought to redefine her world and reality in the face of tragedy and emotional trauma. Her move beyond reason and subsequent suicide become symbolic gestures of her ultimate desires for freedom from a world of oppression.
Copyright and Licensing of My Content
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Origin of Submission
as part of a class
Faculty Involvement
Brandie R. Siegfried
Location
4188 JFSB
Start Date
17-3-2016 12:15 PM
End Date
17-3-2016 1:15 PM
Included in
Beyond Reason: Ophelia's Quest for Truth
4188 JFSB
In this paper, I explore Ophelia's supposed descent into 'insanity' in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Using Immanuel Kant's Critique of Pure Reason, I conclude that instead of descending into insanity, Ophelia moved beyond reason in order to acquire personal truth that wasn't available to her within the realm of traditional reason. In the end, instead of assuming a passive role, Ophelia's character actively rejects the limitations of reason, allowing her to become more than just a passive object of tragic circumstances. Variations within the Quarto and Folio versions of the play support the conclusion that Ophelia actively sought to redefine her world and reality in the face of tragedy and emotional trauma. Her move beyond reason and subsequent suicide become symbolic gestures of her ultimate desires for freedom from a world of oppression.