Final answer:
Gertrude's announcement that Ophelia has drowned in Shakespeare's play 'Hamlet' is true. Ophelia's character has been interpreted and depicted in various art forms throughout history, with a particular focus on her madness and sexuality, reflecting societal views on female insanity and expression. Her portrayal has evolved over time, with some interpretations seeing her as a victim and others attributing more agency to her within the constraints of her situation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Gertrude announces Ophelia has drowned is true. In William Shakespeare's play Hamlet, it is Queen Gertrude who informs Laertes and the court of Ophelia's tragic death, which was depicted as an accidental drowning. Ophelia's death has been a subject of fascination and has influenced art and theatre, with varying interpretations of her character's madness and sexuality.
The Romantic and Victorian periods showed a particular obsession with Ophelia, artists such as Delacroix and English Pre-Raphaelites visually depicted her death extensively. On stage, portrayals of Ophelia have reflected societal attitudes towards female madness, often contrasting her emotional state with Hamlet's more intellectual madness, and depicted through symbols such as her white dress and the giving away of flowers. Additionally, feminist revisions of Ophelia's character emerged in the 20th century, giving a deeper psychological dimension to her desperation.
Ophelia herself, as a character in Hamlet, is often seen as a victim of her society's stifling gender roles. Although she may appear weak and mad by certain interpretations, others see her as possessing a form of agency within the limited options available to women at the time. Whether she is expressing madness or a subtle defiance is a point of contention among scholars and theatre practitioners.