Final answer:
Ophelia's role in Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' connects to Polonius and King Claudius' schemes, but interpretations of her character have shifted from insanity driven by erotomania to a feminist symbol of resistance against gender oppression.
Step-by-step explanation:
The character of Ophelia in Shakespeare's Hamlet plays a significant role in the plans of Polonius and King Claudius. However, interpretations of her character have evolved over the years. Traditionally, Ophelia has been depicted as fragile and insane, a victim of her circumstances and unrequited love. This view aligns with Elizabethan ideas of female madness, often linked to erotomania. Notable artwork such as "Ophelia" by John Everett Millais reflects this romanticized vision of her demise.
Feminist readings have recast Ophelia as a figure of resistance, with her madness acting as a protest against the oppressive gender roles of her time. Recent cultural works and critiques have approached her character as one with more agency, often questioning the validity of her insanity and highlighting her plight as emblematic of broader female experiences. As such, Ophelia has transitioned from a marginalized figure to a celebrated subject in feminist discourse, illustrating the evolution of female representation in literature and arts.