When we first see Ophelia in act 1.3, her brother, Laretes, is warning her to beware of Hamlet. After doing so,
her father, Polonius does the same. Therefore from the start we know Ophelia and Hamlet have been having a
relationship, so much so, she has to be forbidden to commnicate with Hamlet.
If Ophelia has had sexual relations with Hamlet, do you really think she is going to risk telling her family and ruin her reputation?
When told she has been spending a lot of time alone with this guy. Ophelia professes: Later however, Hamlet requests that Ophelia, be all my sins remembered." Orisons are prayers. If Hamlet has importuned Ophelia in honorable fashion, why should his sins be remembered in her prayers? The implication is that they have sinned together. |
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In act 2.1, Ophelia is now afraid she has caused Hamlet some madness and reveals to her father, Lord Hamlet, with his doublet all unbraced; No hat upon his head; his stockings foul'd, Ungarter'd, and down-gyved to his ankle;"
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She continues saying,
Then goes he to the length of all his arm; And, with his other hand thus o'er his brow, He falls to such perusal of my face"
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In 3.1 Ophelia is set up to test Hamlet. She tries to give back "rememberances" but Hamlet is on to this trick. As Hamlet declares he never loved her, Ophelia is heartbroken, "I [Ophelia] was the more devieved." Hamlet instructs Ophelia to "Get thee to a nunnery" which can mean convent (for her baby) or brothel, which still implies that she has lost her virginity.
"Or, if thou wilt needs marry, marry a fool; "And quickly too"...what is the hurry? |
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As the play is about to be started Hamlet asks Ophelia if he shall "lie in your lap?" to which Ophelia refuses and Hamlet restates the question to,
"I mean my head upon your lap? ![]() ![]() |
And finally we get to the songs. | ||
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All in the morning betime, And I a maid at your window, To be your Valentine. Then up he rose, and donn'd his clothes, And dupp'd the chamber-door; Let in the maid, that out a maid Never departed more." |
Alack, and fie for shame! Young men will do't, if they come to't; By cock, they are to blame. Quoth she, "Before you tumbled me, You promised me to wed. So would I have done, by yonder sun, An thou hadst not come to my bed." |
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