Question

Gertrude and Ophelia function as contrapuntal foils to each other. In 4.7, Gertrude provides her witness account of Ophelia's death, however she does not attempt to stop it happening. Through dramatic counterpoint, specifically in 5.1 and 5.2, how do we better understand what happened to Ophelia?

Answer 1

Gertrude and Ophelia provide contrasting perspectives in Hamlet. Through dramatic counterpoint in Acts 5.1 and 5.2, we gain a deeper understanding of what happened to Ophelia.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Hamlet, Gertrude and Ophelia serve as contrasting foils to each other. In Act 4, Gertrude recounts Ophelia's death but does not intervene to prevent it. Through dramatic counterpoint in Acts 5.1 and 5.2, we gain a deeper understanding of what happened to Ophelia.

In Act 5.1, we witness Ophelia's funeral and the grief and mourning surrounding her death. This scene not only reveals the impact of her death on those around her, but also provides insights into the tragedy and loss she experienced.

In Act 5.2, Ophelia's brother Laertes confronts Hamlet in a duel, fueled by his anger and grief over Ophelia's death. This confrontation intensifies the emotional turmoil surrounding Ophelia's demise and further emphasizes the tragic consequences.