Comparing Makeup In Hamlet And Ophelia

Words: 290
Pages: 2

During their lover's quarrel, Hamlet and Ophelia are spitefully exchanging words in which Hamlet not only calls Ophelia essentially a whore, but he also comments on the deceitfulness women participate in when they wear makeup. Hamlet remarks on how women use makeup and cover the face God gave them, altering their appearance in regards to reality. As typical with a patriarchal and slightly misogynistic society, some view makeup as a tool for deceiving those who do not see makeup the way others do. When Hamlet asserts: “God hath given you one face, and you make yourselves another” he is critiquing Ophelia’s use of makeup to make herself “more beautiful” thereby deceiving Hamlet of her “true” nature. This indicates to the reader an aspect of