"Hamlet": A Misogynist?

Shakespeare's literature has given his audience the grounds to believe that his tragic hero Hamlet is somewhat of a misogynist. A misogynist can be defined as a man who shows exaggerated aversion towards women. The word "misogynist" comes from ancient Greek words "misein" meaning hate and "gyne" meaning women. Hamlet's demeanor leads the reader to believe that Shakespeare could have shared the same views as his protagonist Hamlet. In the play, there are many examples …

…are directed at his "love" Ophelia and his mother Gertrude, demeaning them both. There are only two main women in Hamlet and within the play, Hamlet makes repeated feministic remarks on both of them. Ophelia is considered crazy in the play and Gertrude is portrayed as a very unloyal wife. Hamlets views of all women are reflected on the views he has of Gertrude and Ophelia. Hamlet's views have been repeatedly proven to be misogynistic.