Question

Why is Gertrude's line at Ophelia's funeral out of character for her? 1) She has stated previously that she did not approve of Ophelia marrying Hamlet. 2) She is responsible for Ophelia's death. 3) She does not believe that Ophelia should have been granted a proper funeral. 4) She has shown little affection and care toward Ophelia previously.

Answer 1

Gertrude's line at Ophelia's funeral is out of character for her due to several reasons, including her previous disapproval of Ophelia marrying Hamlet and her lack of affection and care towards Ophelia. Additionally, Gertrude's responsibility for Ophelia's death and her disbelief in granting Ophelia a proper funeral contribute to the inconsistency of her grieving behavior.

Step-by-step explanation:

Gertrude's line at Ophelia's funeral is out of character for her due to several reasons:

1. She had previously stated that she did not approve of Ophelia marrying Hamlet, indicating a lack of concern or affection.
2. Gertrude is indirectly responsible for Ophelia's death as her actions contributed to Ophelia's state of mind.
3. She does not believe that Ophelia should have been granted a proper funeral, which clashes with her sudden display of sorrow.
4. Gertrude has shown little affection and care toward Ophelia previously, making her grieving behavior seem inconsistent.

In conclusion, Gertrude's line at Ophelia's funeral is an example of her inconsistent and complex character.

Answer 2

Gertrude's expression of grief at Ophelia's funeral seems out of character because she has earlier shown little care for her, contrary to the empathy she displays during the funeral rites.

Step-by-step explanation:

Gertrude's line at Ophelia's funeral in Shakespeare's Hamlet is considered out of character for her primarily because she has shown little affection and care toward Ophelia previously. Although Gertrude's character is often seen as power-hungry and complicit with Claudius, her expression of genuine grief at Ophelia's funeral is not consistent with her prior detachment from Ophelia. Moreover, the societal view of women at the time mainly as weak or conspiratorial further complicates our understanding of Gertrude's sudden display of empathy. Ophelia's own depiction through the play as the epitome of female melancholy and madness contrasts with her strength as a character who grapples with considerable agency despite her limited role dictated by patriarchal norms.