Hamlet 2

Character foils are created to connect certain characters for a particular reason. In Shakespeare's Hamlet, Ophelia and Hamlet are set up as character foils. Although the audience has not yet seen an interaction between these two characters, it is revealed by Laertes and Polonius that Hamlet has been a potential love interest of Ophelia's. A common thread between Hamlet and Ophelia so far is that both are being forced into submission of a parent's wish. Hamlet's mother begs him to "go not to Wittenberg" (I.ii.123). Although it is Hamlet's wish to go back to his studies, he says, "I shall in all my best obey you, madam" (I.ii.124). Hamlet's intentions are not yet revealed, but it appears that he is being respectful of his mother's wish. Hamlet's first dialogue with his mother perfectly parallels Ophelia's dialogue with her father, Polonius. Polonius uses uncertainty to show Ophelia that Hamlet's vows cannot be trusted: "Do not believe his vows, for they are brokers" (I.iii.136). He commands his daughter to stay away from Hamlet and to not fall into any of his tricks. In response to her father's command, Ophelia says, "I shall obey, my lord" (I.iii.145). The idea of submission and obedience is relevant in both situations. The correlation between Hamlet and Ophelia's interactions with their parents foreshadows the future events that may take place. Their statements of obedience implies that there will be disobedience in the future.