Difference between revisions of "Shakespeare and abortion"
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| − | [[William Shakespeare]]'s masterpiece ''[[Hamlet]]'' contains implied references to an attempted [[abortion]], with Ophelia's mention of the [[abortifacient]]s "rosemary and rue" – followed by the tragic fate of both Ophelia and Hamlet.<ref>[https://thebillshakespeareproject.com/2015/05/hamlet-ophelia-and-her-flowers-aftermath/ "Hamlet: Opelia and Her Flowers]. See also: Lucile F. Newman, "Ophelia's Herbal", ''Economic Botany'', Vol. 33, No. 2 (Apr. - Jun., 1979), pp. 227-232 (6 pages)[https://www.jstor.org/stable/4254050 ]</ref> Multiple lines in the play suggest this, yet this is rarely never mentioned when ''Hamlet'' is taught.<ref>http://craftyscreenwriting.com/ophelia.html</ref> | + | [[William Shakespeare]]'s masterpiece ''[[Hamlet]]'' contains implied references to an attempted [[abortion]], with Ophelia's mention of the [[abortifacient]]s "rosemary and rue" – followed by the tragic fate of both Ophelia and Hamlet.<ref>[https://thebillshakespeareproject.com/2015/05/hamlet-ophelia-and-her-flowers-aftermath/ "Hamlet: Opelia and Her Flowers]. See also: Lucile F. Newman, "Ophelia's Herbal", ''Economic Botany'', Vol. 33, No. 2 (Apr. - Jun., 1979), pp. 227-232 (6 pages)[https://www.jstor.org/stable/4254050 ]</ref> Multiple lines in the play suggest this, yet this is rarely never mentioned when ''Hamlet'' is taught.<ref>[http://craftyscreenwriting.com/ophelia.html Craftyscreenwring]</ref> |
Shakespeare's portrayal of the wealthy, privileged Ophelia and Hamlet as borderline insane and suicidal may reflect his disapproval of abortion and his belief that fate is not kind to those who embrace unapologetically that path. Shakespeare was a devout [[Christian]]. | Shakespeare's portrayal of the wealthy, privileged Ophelia and Hamlet as borderline insane and suicidal may reflect his disapproval of abortion and his belief that fate is not kind to those who embrace unapologetically that path. Shakespeare was a devout [[Christian]]. | ||
Revision as of 15:24, January 21, 2022
William Shakespeare's masterpiece Hamlet contains implied references to an attempted abortion, with Ophelia's mention of the abortifacients "rosemary and rue" – followed by the tragic fate of both Ophelia and Hamlet.[1] Multiple lines in the play suggest this, yet this is rarely never mentioned when Hamlet is taught.[2]
Shakespeare's portrayal of the wealthy, privileged Ophelia and Hamlet as borderline insane and suicidal may reflect his disapproval of abortion and his belief that fate is not kind to those who embrace unapologetically that path. Shakespeare was a devout Christian.
Feminists see Ophelia as a victim of men, and if she attempted an abortion then that would support feminist ideology. But the unnecessarily tragic outcome for Ophelia is something feminists ignore.
References
- ↑ "Hamlet: Opelia and Her Flowers. See also: Lucile F. Newman, "Ophelia's Herbal", Economic Botany, Vol. 33, No. 2 (Apr. - Jun., 1979), pp. 227-232 (6 pages)[1]
- ↑ Craftyscreenwring