Hamlet: Act 1, Scenes 3,4,and 5

In Act 1 scenes 3,4, and 5, the plot starts to unravel more as the character’s true colors show. At the beginning of Act 3, we learn that Ophelia’s brother, Laertes, does not like the idea of his sister being with Hamlet. He says that he has other priorities, such as the well-being of his state, which in return takes away from the time he could devote to Ophelia. Polonius, Ophelia’s father, later enters the scene cautioning her to not get further involved with Hamlet. Polonius tells Ophelia to, “not believe his vows, for they are brokers, Not of that dye which by their investments show, but mere implorators of unholy suits” (Act 1, Scene 3, 127-130). Ophelia then responds to her father saying she will obey his wishes not to see Hamlet anymore.

I think that both Laertes and Polonius had a right to caution Ophelia about Hamlet’s intentions, like any concerned father and brother would do. However, the effect of gender roles in this society shows in this scene. Laertes gives his sister a long speech on how Hamlet does not have her intentions at heart. Right after, Ophelia calls out his hypocrisy (lines 45-51), stating that Laertes doesn’t even follow the advice he just gave her in his own relationships. Gender inequality also shows in the discussion between Polonius and Ophelia. After trying to reason with her father about Hamlet’s love, she gives in to Polonius and says, “I shall obey, my lord” (Act 1, Scene 3, 136). With this, Ophelia surrenders to her father and does not stand up for the love she truly thinks is real.

In Scenes 4 and 5, Hamlet finally comes face to face with the rumored Ghost. When the ghost tells Hamlet to follow him alone, both Horatio and Marcellus warn him not to go. Here, we see a brave side of Hamlet as he orders the two to stop holding him back and to not follow him. It is with the ghost that he learns how his father died and who killed him. At the end of the scene, Hamlet is left confused while contemplating what he will do with this information. I am very intrigued to find out what if Hamlet will pursue revenge on his uncle/stepdad.