Question

In act IV, scene VII, of Shakespeare's Hamlet, what is notable about Gertrude’s words about Ophelia’s death?

As one incapable of her own distress,
Or like a creature native and indu'd
Unto that element. But long it could not be
Till that her garments, heavy with their drink,
Pull'd the poor wretch from her melodious lay
To muddy death

A)Ophelia’s death seems to be a contrived murder, which Gertrude is trying to hide.
B)Gertrude is opening up the possibility that Ophelia did not kill herself.
C)Ophelia’s death is depicted as something that released her from madness.
D)Gertrude is poetic in her description of Ophelia’s death.

Answer 1

The correct answer is B: Gertrude is opening up the possibility that Ophelia did not kill herself. Since suicide was considered a mortal sin in Shakespeare's society, and those who killed themselves were barred from being buried in consacrated ground (something that will be elaborated upon by the gravediggers in Act V, scene I), the cause of her death had to be disguised. Here, Ophelia's fall into the river is attributed to distress and madness, and not to an act of will.

Answer 2

B. Gertrude is opening up the possibility that Ophelia did not kill herself