Question

Which is a feminist analysis of these lines? Hamlet defines Gertrude only by her relationship to men. Hamlet uses sharp language to express his emotions. Hamlet is upset with his mother because his father is dead. Hamlet has forgotten how it feels to have a male role model.

Answer 1

The correct answer is - Hamlet defines Gertrude only by her relationship to men.

Hamlet says the following lines: No, by the rood, not so: / You are the queen, your husband’s brother’s wife; / And,—would it were not so!—you are my mother.

It is clear that he thinks of Gertrude only in terms of men - she is the king's wife (and therefore a queen), she is a mother to her son. She doesn't seem to have a personality or life of her own, according to the feminist theory. She doesn't exist without these men to define her, which is a feminist critique of Shakespeare's work.

Answer 2

The feminist analysis of these lines is, "Hamlet has forgotten how it feels to have a male role model.", because it shows that Hamlet has a female (his mother) role model, who taught him all of the things she thinks he needs to know, but he still wants a male role model because of the fact that he can't remember having one. Hope this helps you out!! If you have anymore English questions feel free to pm me!! :D