Female Representation in Shakespeare's HamletAbstract: This essay uses feminist criticism, new historicism, and Marxist criticism to analyze the representation of Queen Gertrude and Ophelia. Because Shakespeare's Hamlet centers on the internal struggle of the prince of Denmark, the reader focuses primarily on his words and actions. An often overlooked or underrated aspect of the play is the portrayal of female characters, particularly Queen Gertrude and Ophelia. There are two scenes in particular that provide insights into this topic. In Act I, Scene III, Ophelia receives advice from her father, Polonius, and her brother, Laertes. Likewise, Gertrude is confronted and counseled by Hamlet in Act III, Scene IV. The three most useful and engaging methods for interpreting these scenes include feminist criticism, which views literature from women's perspectives; New historicism, which looks at literature in terms of history and culture; and Marxist criticism, which examines literature within the parameters of social structure and class hierarchy. These schools of criticism provide a unique understanding of the scenes; each provides a different focus, offering maximum depth of the text. In both highlighted passages the theme of female representation is explored. In Act I, Scene III, both Laertes and Polonius advise Ophelia about her relationship with Prince Hamlet. They warn her of the implications of her actions and the consequences of even the hint of impropriety. Both men advise her to "keep yourself in the rear of your affection, out of the reach and danger of desire" (1.3.33-34). For her reputation and that of her family, she must not be (or remain) involved in pr...... middle of paper ......ction and Hamlet." Wofford. 283-293.-- -. "Feminist Criticism and Hamlet." Wofford, "Acts III and IV: Issues of Text and Staging." Modern critical interpretations: Hamlet. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1986. Rpt. from Tragic Form in Shakespeare. Np: Princeton University Press, 1972. Pennington, Michael. "Ophelia: Madness Her Only Safe Haven." Readings on Hamlet. Ed. Don Nardo. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1999. Rpt. of "Hamlet": A User's Guide. New York: Limelight Editions, 1996. Pitt, Angela. "Women in Shakespeare's Tragedies". .Shakespeare, Hamlet, 1996.